Attempted murder probe launched after police station car bomb as officers evacuate residents moments before blast

Police in Northern Ireland have launched an attempted murder investigation after a hijacked vehicle carrying a gas cylinder device exploded outside Dunmurry police station, with officers praised for evacuating residents – including two babies – just moments before the blast.

The incident unfolded shortly after 10.50pm on Saturday 25 April, when a delivery driver’s car was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast and used in what senior officers have described as a reckless and unpredictable attack.

Hijacked vehicle driven to police station before explosion

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton confirmed that the driver was forced to transport the device to Dunmurry police station, where the vehicle was abandoned directly outside the front of the building.

He said:

“Shortly after 10.50pm last night, Saturday 25th April, a delivery driver’s car was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast and a gas cylinder device was placed in the boot of the vehicle. The man was ordered to drive it to Dunmurry police station.

“The vehicle was abandoned outside the front of the station and police personnel immediately activated the station’s Attack Alarm.”

Officers evacuate homes as device detonates

Police officers responded immediately, moving into danger to protect the surrounding community as the threat escalated.

Singleton said:

“Police officers immediately and courageously ran into danger, placing themselves in harm’s way, and evacuated nearby homes to protect the community.

“A number of residents, including two babies, were being taken to safety by officers when the device exploded, engulfing the vehicle in flames and sending debris in all directions.”

Despite the severity of the explosion, no injuries were reported – an outcome described by police as extraordinary given the circumstances.

“What this type of device may have lacked in terms of its sophistication and scale, it more than made up for in its reckless unpredictability,” Singleton added.

“Thanks to the swift actions of police, no one has been injured, which is nothing short of miraculous.”

Residents displaced and delivery driver traumatised

The attack has left residents unable to return to their homes and a delivery driver deeply affected by the ordeal.

“Our thoughts today are with all those affected by this cowardly attack, the delivery driver for whom this will have been an extremely traumatic experience, residents who are still unable to return to their homes, our courageous officers and of course their families, who will be grateful their loved ones are safe, but will undoubtedly have been left shaken by the ordeal,” Singleton said.

He also stressed that the PSNI would not be deterred by the attack.

“I want to reassure our community that the Police Service of Northern Ireland will not be deterred or distracted by last night’s senseless and reckless attack. We’ve made great progress as a society and we won’t allow those who are intent on dragging us backward to succeed. Instead we’ll continue to work with our communities to protect them from harm.”

Attempted murder investigation underway

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that an attempted murder investigation has been launched, led by its Terrorism Investigation Unit.

Singleton issued a direct appeal for information:

“We have commenced an attempted murder investigation which will be led by our Terrorism Investigation Unit and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the hijacked vehicle in the Twinbrook area before 11pm to contact us.

“I would like to take this opportunity appeal to anyone with any information on last night’s hijacking and bomb attack to make contact with our incident room via our 101 quoting reference number 1682 25/04/26.

“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

Chief Constable: “An attack on the PSNI is an attack on everyone”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the incident in the strongest terms, warning of the danger posed to both officers and the wider community.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to call out such reckless attacks. This was not just an attack aimed at our incredible and hard-working police officers and staff. These mindless idiots wantonly risked the lives of local residents including very young children.

“This was an attack against the very society that so many people have strived to achieve. Anyone with any information whatsoever please come forward and help us stop these criminals before they actually hurt someone. There is no place for these people in our society.

“An attack on the PSNI is an attack on everyone.”

Stormont leaders condemn “reckless” and “despicable” attack

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the attack showed a “total disregard” for the local community.

“Those behind this reckless attack have put lives in danger and shown a total disregard for the local community.

“Our thoughts are with the delivery driver who was put through an extremely terrifying ordeal as well as those residents who had to be evacuated.

“It is extremely fortunate that nobody was killed or seriously injured by the selfish actions of those who have nothing to offer our society.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed the condemnation and praised the response of police officers.

“Those responsible for this despicable attack put lives at risk. I have no doubt all right-thinking people will reject this sort of behaviour and see it as a cowardly attempt to try and drag us all backwards.

“We would like to commend the police officers for their swift response to this incident, their courage in the face of danger ensured local residents were protected.

“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”

Justice Minister: “Simply unconscionable”

Justice Minister Naomi Long described the incident as “simply unconscionable”, highlighting the continued threat posed by a small number of individuals.

“It is simply unconscionable that just a few weeks after the widespread condemnation of the attack in Lurgan that this incident has occurred in Dunmurry.

“Despite the fact that acts of violence such as this have been roundly rejected, lives have once again been put at risk by the actions of a very small minority who offer nothing but devastation and destruction.

“Indeed, it is extremely fortunate that no-one was hurt or even killed as a result of this despicable attack.

“Those behind this attack have demonstrated a total disregard for every single person living in the area.

“My thoughts are with the motorist who has no doubt been left utterly traumatised by their ordeal, as well as the officers who were targeted in this cowardly attack.

“I would like also to pay tribute to those very same officers who, despite the threat they face, continue to turn up to work every day to serve the community.

“My gratitude also goes to the officers who responded to this incident in such a prompt and professional manner.”

The explosion, which occurred while residents were being evacuated, has been widely described as a near-miss in terms of potential loss of life, with political leaders and police united in condemning the attack and urging the public to assist investigators.

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At a glance

• Car bomb exploded outside Dunmurry police station shortly after 10.50pm on Saturday 25 April

• Delivery driver’s vehicle hijacked in Twinbrook and used to transport gas cylinder device

• Police activated attack alarm and evacuated residents before explosion

• Two babies among those being taken to safety at the time of the blast

• No injuries reported, described as “nothing short of miraculous”

• Residents displaced and unable to return home following incident

• Attempted murder investigation launched, led by Terrorism Investigation Unit

• Public urged to call 101 quoting reference 1682 25/04/26

• Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

• Senior political leaders and justice minister strongly condemn attack