BELFAST, Northern Ireland – April 26, 2026 – A car carrying a gas cylinder device exploded late Saturday night outside the Dunmurry police station on the outskirts of Belfast, an incident police are treating as attempted murder. Detectives are investigating the possibility that the New IRA was responsible. No injuries were reported, a fact authorities described as "miraculous" given the circumstances. The vehicle was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast shortly after 10:50 PM, with a male delivery driver reportedly forced at gunpoint to drive the car to the police station and abandon it.
The explosion occurred shortly after the vehicle was left outside the station, triggering an attack alarm. Police have cordoned off the area and begun forensic examination of the burnt-out vehicle. Residents, including two babies, were evacuated from nearby homes as a precaution before the detonation. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures across Northern Ireland, who decried the act as having no place in society and stated that those responsible speak for no one.
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Investigation Underway, Parallels to Previous Attack
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an attempted murder investigation, with counter-terrorism units leading the inquiry. The method used—hijacking a vehicle and forcing a driver to deliver an explosive device to a police station—bears a strong resemblance to an incident last month at Lurgan police station, where a similar device was found but did not detonate. The New IRA claimed responsibility for that attempted attack.
"This incident demonstrates that the murderous intent and capability still exists within paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland," a senior officer stated, highlighting the "substantial" threat level in the region, meaning an attack is considered likely.
The detonation of the device outside Dunmurry station, described as "sent to kill officers," underscores the persistent danger faced by law enforcement in the area. Political leaders have emphasized the need for vigilance and reaffirmed their commitment to building a society free from such violence, referencing the overwhelming public endorsement of the Good Friday Agreement as a repudiation of these actions.
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Political Condemnation and Societal Response
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly expressed dismay at what she called "another attack directed at the PSNI," while First Minister Michelle O’Neill asserted that perpetrators of such acts "have no vision, no support, and have nothing to offer our society." DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP called for a lack of complacency regarding national security. Sinn Fein Assembly member for the area, Danny Baker, conveyed concern and urged anyone affected to seek support. Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood described the event as "distressing and disturbing."
The incident occurred in a residential area, prompting concern from residents who described being left "very upset" by the loud explosion. The PSNI has urged the public to avoid the Kingsway area of Dunmurry while the investigation continues.
