ARMY bomb experts have carried out a controlled explosion on a device found under a car at a west Belfast shopping centre tonight.

Security sources said “a box-type’ device was spotted under a woman’s car which was parked in a family bay space at the Park Centre.

A security source said: “Police arrived on the scene after being alerted to the device.

“One officer could be in big trouble with his seniors as he got into the car and drove it away from the device.

“If this was a viable device, and he drove over the top of it and set it off, he could have seriously injured himself and others in the surrounding area.

“Procedure in a situation like this is to cordon off the scene and wait until ATO to arrive and let them examine the device.

“His senior officers will be asking questions why he did this.

“He probably did it for the best of attentions but procedures are in place for his safety and that of the public.’’

It is understood a controlled explosion was carried out on the device around 10 pm.

“The scene will remain closed for some time tonight and until the device is made safe,’’ added the security source.

“As yet we don’t know what type device it is, whether it fell off this woman’s car or some other vehicle.’’