Cops probe arson attack targeting Belfast home of loyalist ‘Pipe Bomb Pastor'
Petrol bomb attack at a property in the Forthriver Road area on the 25th July 2025 (Belfast Telegraph)
Petrol bomb attack at a property in the Forthriver Road area on the 25th July 2025 (Belfast Telegraph)
The house belonging to a self-styled loyalist pastor has been targeted in an over night arson attack involving a petrol bomb.
The property targeted in the Forthriver Road area of Glencairn belongs to Clifford Peeples, who was jailed for possession of explosives with intent to endanger life in 2001.
At the time a pipe-bomb and two hand grenades were found in a car he was travelling in.
He went on to lead a Shankill Road church but now describes himself as a writer and political commentator.
Clifford Peeples
Police and firefighters responded to the attack at the property which took place shortly before 3am.
The PSNI confirmed one person was in the property at the time of the incident but no serious injuries were reported.
Two fire appliances attended the incident with police remaining at the scene this morning.
Detective Sergeant McCallum said: 'At around 3:00am this morning, Friday, 25th July, police received a report that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a property in the Forthriver Road area of the town.
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News in 90 Seconds - July 25th
'Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who made the area safe.
"It appeared that the petrol bomb had been thrown through the living room window causing damage inside.
'One person was present in the property, fortunately no serious injuries have been reported at this time."
DS McCallum continued: "We are treating this attack as arson with intent to endanger life.
'Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation, particularly anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other relevant footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 141 of 25/07/25."
NIFRS has been contacted for comment.
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