Police probe blast bomb attack in north Belfast

A woman has been injured and her pet dog killed when a blast bomb was thrown at her home in north Belfast.

The attack happened in the Thorburn Road area of Greencastle shortly after 9.45pm on Sunday night.

The 44-year-old woman received cuts to her legs when the device exploded as she opened the front door of her home to a caller.

Two family dogs, a Japanese Akido and a Poodle, were also caught up in the attack.

One of the dogs died and the other lost a leg.

The woman’s husband and their 15-year-old daughter, who were also at home at the time, escaped injury.

North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds condemned the attack as “reckless”.

“It is appalling to hear that an explosive device was thrown at this woman, who had just answered a call to her door, and that she was injured by the explosion,” said the MP.

“Clearly this was an entirely reckless attack which could have resulted in very serious injuries or even death.

“It is deeply concerning that she has been taken to hospital with injuries. I hope and pray that these are indeed relatively minor injuries as is being reported locally.

“I condemn this senseless attack completely and without reservation. I appeal for anyone with information which could help bring the perpetrators to justice to pass that on to the police without delay.

“There has been an increase in the use of explosive devices in North Belfast over recent months. This must be brought to an end and I call for full co-operation from all sections of the community to make that happen.”

Local DUP Councillor Guy Spence added:  “It is sickening that a blast bomb should be thrown at someone at their own front door and that it exploded.

“I attended the scene and have spoken to family members and neighbours. Everyone is shocked that such an attack would take place on this quiet cul-de-sac.

“There is no indication at this stage of what motive or purpose lay behind this disgraceful incident.

“I condemn those responsible for this attack. This is not what any right-thinking person wants to see happening in modern society.”

A dark coloured car, thought to have been a Ford Focus, was seen driving away from the incident towards the Serpentine Road.

Anyone who saw the attack or the car has been asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.