Belfast object was 'viable device'

Updated: 23:14, Thursday, 22 October 2009

Police in Belfast are investigating reports of an explosion near an army base in the North of the city.

1 of 2 Belfast 'Viable device' exploded
Belfast
'Viable device' exploded
2 of 2 Belfast Area was cordoned off
Belfast
Area was cordoned off

Police have confirmed that a suspicious object found near a Territorial Army base in north Belfast was a 'viable device'.

The PSNI was contacted by locals, who heard an explosion at the barracks near Ashfield Crescent on the Antrim Road, in the early hours of this morning.

After an initial search of the area, officers discovered a suspicious object and British Army Technical officers were called to the scene.

This afternoon they confirmed that it was a viable device 'capable of causing death of serious injury'.

It is believed that the device was thrown over the gate of the compound shortly before 1 this morning. One person was seen running from the area at that time.

Police say that it exploded within the confines of the base, causing blast damage.

Shrapnel from the device has been found in neighbouring streets.

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