Latest news with #BelfastIslamicCentre
BBC News
23-06-2025
- BBC News
Islamic Centre attack: Belfast man in court on various charges
A 34-year-old man facing explosives charges following an attack at the Belfast Islamic Centre may require psychiatric assessment, a court has 30 people were praying inside the building when an explosive device was thrown through the window on Friday centre is used as a place of worship and as a community Robert Bell, from Chester Manor, Belfast, is accused of attempting to cause an explosion and attempted arson which could endanger life. He is further charged with making an explosive device, namely a pipe bomb, sometime between 1 January 2025 and 21 is also another count of criminal damage in relation to a broken window at the Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday, a detective sergeant said they could connect Mr Bell to the application for bail was court heard Mr Bell had been released on a licence for unrelated matters which could now be revoked by parole defendant's legal team said there were concerns about his mental state during police interview and a request was made for a psychiatric assessment to be carried Judge Steven Keown described the application as Bell was remanded into custody and will appear again on 8 July.
Irish Times
22-06-2025
- Irish Times
Man (34) charged over attack on Belfast Islamic Centre
A man has been charged in relation to an attack on Belfast Islamic Centre. A viable device was thrown through a window of the centre during evening prayer on Friday. Police cordoned off the area and the public were encouraged to avoid it. On Sunday, a man aged 34 was charged with a number of offences including attempted arson with intent to endanger life. READ MORE He was also charged with attempt to cause an explosion, making explosives with intent to endanger life and criminal damage. He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday. The attack has been criticised by politicians over the weekend. - PA
Irish Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
PSNI investigate if Belfast Islamic Centre attack was a hate crime
Police are investigating whether an attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre was a hate crime after a viable device was thrown through a window. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident. Northern Ireland's Minister for Justice, Naomi Long , has described the attack as 'abhorrent' and 'absolutely despicable'. A viable device was thrown through a window of the centre during evening prayer on Friday. A 34-year-old man was arrested and police are investigating whether the incident was a hate crime. READ MORE The Alliance Party leader said it was 'despicable' that people were afraid to go to their place of worship. 'I think it was an abhorrent attack on people who were at worship, and I think that for any of us, we would accept that that is just not acceptable,' Ms Long told the BBC's Sunday Politics programme. 'This is not who we want to be as [a] society. It's not what we want to be known for around the world. 'I think it is despicable that people are afraid to go to their place of worship, afraid to go to live in their own homes or go to their school or go to their workplace because of fear of attack because of the colour of their skin or their religion. 'That just isn't acceptable, and that needs to be condemned unequivocally by everyone in society.' Ms Long was also asked about policing resources in the wake of riots across Northern Ireland, which have been criticised as 'racist thuggery' by police. After disorder broke out in Ballymena for several nights after an alleged sexual assault of a girl, disturbances spread to other areas of Northern Ireland including Portadown, Larne, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry and Coleraine. The Stormont Executive pledged an extra £5 million (€5.8 million) for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to respond. Ms Long said that most of that funding had already been spent as the disorder had been a 'drain' on resources. [ Ballymena: Week of violent attacks on Northern Ireland's small immigrant community 'akin to 1930s Germany' Opens in new window ] 'It's hugely frustrating at a time when our justice system is so stretched that we have people not just putting pressure on the resources of the PSNI, but destroying their own communities at a cost to everyone in our society, because that will all have to be repaired and rebuilt,' she said. – PA
BBC News
22-06-2025
- BBC News
Belfast Islamic Centre: Man charged after University Road attack
A man has been charged after a viable explosive device was thrown through the window of the Belfast Islamic Centre during an attack on Friday from the centre were praying inside the building on University Road when the attack was reported at about 22:10 incident sparked a security alert and the building was evacuated.A 34-year-old man has now been charged with a number of offences including attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempt to cause an explosion, making explosives with intent to endanger life and criminal damage. He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The Independent
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Arrest after suspicious device thrown into Belfast Islamic Center during evening prayers
Police are investigating a suspected hate crime after a viable device was thrown through a window of the Belfast Islamic Centre during evening prayer. The incident, which occurred while worshippers were inside, led to the cordoning off of the scene overnight, with the public advised to avoid the area. Local politicians have swiftly condemned the "cowardly" attack, emphasising that individuals should feel secure in their places of worship. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn expressed his deep concern, calling the act "shameful". '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 after receiving a report at around 10.10pm. A 34-year-old man was arrested under the Terrorism Act and is being held in custody. 'Police received a report at approximately 10.10pm on Friday 20th June that an object had been thrown through a window at a property in the University Road area of the city,' Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said. '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.' 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.' Anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have information is being asked to contact authorities on 101, quoting reference number 1808 20/06/25. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website, or people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
