Glengormley pipe bomb attack condemned

A number of homes in the area had to be evacuated as the security forces dealt with the viable device, which was discovered in the garden of a property on Monday evening.

Alderman Mark Cosgrove has condemned the people behind the incident.

“This is disgusting. Anyone who would wish to harm a person or property should be utterly condemned. I would urge anyone with information to contact the police. The whole Glengormley community is totally repulsed by this madness. This is wanton thuggery and criminality and nothing else,” the UUP representative said.

Sinn Fein Councillor for the area, Michael Goodman, also condemned those responsible for the incident.

“It is totally irresponsible. The way in which the device was left in such a built-up area, with a lot of young families and a lot of young children about the place was extremely dangerous. I think the people who planted it need to wake up to themselves and consider what they are doing. I don’t know who was responsible, but that doesn’t really matter as whoever it was, was very irresponsible. The incident should be totally condemned and those responsible should explain their actions to the people of Hollybrook Crescent and the wider community in Glengormley,” he said.

SDLP Councillor Noreen McClelland has urged people with information about the incident to contact the police.

“When are these thugs going to learn people don’t want them or their vile behaviour affecting their lives. How would they like to have their families moved out of their homes, children upset and the elderly distressed and all for what?

“Planting a bomb in an area like this was utterly reckless and risked the lives of local people. Those behind it have nothing to offer the people of this area other than misery.

“We have all moved on and refuse to let these people continually try to drag us back to the past. They are not wanted in our community and I would urge anyone who has any information to pass it on to the PSNI,” she said.

DUP Councillor Phillip Brett said: “I condemn these reckless actions in such a built-up area. The people of Glengormley do not want incidents like this.”

Police officers cordoned off an area of the Hightown Road development for a number of hours. The area was re-opened late on Monday night and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.