Anger as bomb squad called to Belfast Islamic Centre after suspect device is hurled inside in ‘vile attack'
Latest |
A man linked to a security alert at the Belfast Islamic Centre claimed he was "trying to save the world'.
A device was thrown inside the building and a window was smashed during last night's incident.
It happened between 10pm and 10.30pm at the Islamic centre on the University Road area of south Belfast.
Staff at the centre told the Belfast Telegraph the centre had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers.
A video from the first floor of the centre, seen by this newspaper, shows a man reaching into the building.
One witness said he saw flames as the suspect allegedly attempted to set fire to the site.
"I saw the flames in his hand from above but couldn't capture it in the video," they said.
A pedestrian walking by stopped the suspect from doing any damage.
A clip of the incident shows the young man grabbing the suspect and pulling him away.
The suspect can be heard telling the pedestrian that he was "trying to save the world" as he was being dragged away.
"He was the first to stop him," the witness continued. "Only then did we reach there."
Officers subsequently arrested the man and cordoned off the site to conduct further investigations.
A spokesperson for the Islamic Centre today said they strongly condemned the 'vile attack'.
'During evening prayers last night, one of the windows was broken and a device was thrown inside the building.
'Everyone was evacuated from the building and the police were quick to respond.
'We were unable to continue night prayers as the whole area was cordoned off and nobody was allowed near the building.
'A bomb squad eventually removed the device in the early hours of this morning.
'We have had incidents in the past but nothing of this kind.'
"I think he'd be very well qualified": Leo Varadkar on Colum Eastwood Irish presidential run
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack.
'This is just the latest example of an attack motivated by hate which does not reflect the diversity of South Belfast in 2025,' the South Belfast Assembly member said.
'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.
'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.
'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated, and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.'
A PSNI spokesperson said early this morning: 'Police are currently at the scene of a security alert at University Road in south Belfast. A number of cordons are in place in the vicinity.
'A 34-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody.
'Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
29 minutes ago
- ITV News
Politicians condemn attack on Belfast Islamic Centre while people prayed
Politicians have condemned an attack on the Islamic Centre in Belfast while people were praying on Friday evening. A local MLA said a device was thrown inside the building during evening prayer and forced it to be evacuated. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he was 'deeply concerned by the shameful attack'. 'Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland. If anyone has any information about this, please contact the PSNI,' he said. Police said they attended a security alert on University Road in south Belfast on Friday night. A number of cordons were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area. A 34-year-old man was arrested and was taken into police custody. Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack, which she said did 'not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025'. 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity. 'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.' Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey said 'no-one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship'. 'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home. 'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.' Green Party Councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a 'cowardly and vicious act'. 'I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers,' she said. 'I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome. 'It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.' She added: 'This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society. 'We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt. 'I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words. 'Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better.'
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Police treating ‘vile' attack on Belfast Islamic Centre as potential hate crime after viable device is hurled inside
Police said a viable device was thrown inside the building. A window was smashed during the incident. One man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act. Kashif Akram said the attack, which happened shortly after 10pm last night, had caused much distress. He told the Belfast Telegraph the centre, on University Road, had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers. Political representatives branded it a sinister attack and said it must be strongly condemned. Police said one man remained in custody this afternoon. Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said: 'Police received a report at approximately 10.10pm on Friday that an object had been thrown through a window at a property in the University Road area of the city. 'Officers attended and carried out a search of the building where a suspicious device was discovered. 'Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the object which was determined as viable and has since been removed for forensic examination. 'A 34-year-old man was arrested under the Terrorism Act at the scene and remains in police custody at this time. It is important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, the motive for the attack has not yet been established. 'Detectives from Serious Crime Branch are currently working at pace and are exploring a number of potential motivating factors including the possibility that this is a hate crime. 'At this time, no other persons are being sought in connection with the attack. A video from the first floor of the centre, seen by this newspaper, shows a man reaching into the building. One witness said he saw flames as the suspect allegedly attempted to set fire to the site. "I saw the flames in his hand from above but couldn't capture it in the video," they said. A pedestrian walking by stopped the suspect from doing any damage. A clip of the incident shows the young man grabbing the suspect and pulling him away. The suspect can be heard telling the pedestrian that he was "trying to save the world" as he was being dragged away. "He was the first to stop him," the witness continued. "Only then did we reach there." Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph today, Mr Akram said they strongly condemned the 'vile attack'. 'During evening prayers last night, one of the windows was broken and a device was thrown inside the building,' he said. 'Everyone was evacuated from the building and the police were quick to respond. 'We were unable to continue night prayers as the whole area was cordoned off and nobody was allowed near the building. 'A bomb squad eventually removed the device in the early hours of this morning. 'We have had incidents in the past but nothing of this kind.' He said that while members were very angry and upset, the centre has been able to reopen today. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack. 'This is just the latest example of an attack motivated by hate which does not reflect the diversity of South Belfast in 2025,' the South Belfast Assembly member said. 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.' Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey said the 'sinister attack' must be strongly condemned. She added: 'No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship, and my thoughts are with everyone affected. 'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home. 'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.' Green Party councillor Áine Groogan said she was 'horrified' by the attack, describing it as a "cowardly and vicious act'.
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Community ‘shocked' after woman dies in NI house fire tragedy
The incident happened in the Bearna Park area of Killeavy early today. Emergency services were called just after 8.30am. It is understood one other younger person was in the property at the time. Local Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes said: 'There is a palpable sense of shock in the community at this horrific incident.' "I think he'd be very well qualified": Leo Varadkar on Colum Eastwood Irish presidential run The PSNI confirmed officers were at the scene. 'The public are advised to avoid the area while emergency services attend,' a spokesperson said.
