Man Arrested After Belfast Security Alert
Police have arrested a 41-year-old man in connection with a tense security alert in north Belfast on Friday.
UVF Suspected in Bomb Threat
The loyalist paramilitary group UVF is suspected of involvement after Environment Minister Mr Coveney was evacuated from a John and Pat Hume Foundation event. The Houben Centre on Crumlin Road was cleared and a nearby funeral service at Holy Cross church was disrupted amid the chaos.
Van Driver Threatened by Gunmen
Two armed men forced a van driver to transport what he believed was a bomb to the church. Thankfully, no explosion occurred. Police said detectives from the Serious Crime Branch arrested the man under the Terrorism Act. He is currently being questioned at the Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.
Woman Also in Custody
A 38-year-old woman has been arrested and is assisting police inquiries. Held on suspicion of possessing a firearm, criminal property, and concealing criminal property, she remains in custody, police confirmed.
Major Police Raids in Ballysillan and Springmartin
Yesterday evening, the Serious Crime Branch conducted raids in Ballysillan and Springmartin. Officers seized a suspected firearm, two vehicles, several controlled items, and a large sum of cash.
Political Condemnation and Silent on Motive
Politicians across the spectrum condemned Friday’s incident. However, the PSNI declined to comment on whether loyalist anger over the Northern Ireland Protocol was behind the attack.
