9 hours ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Anger as bomb squad called to Belfast Islamic Centre after suspect device is hurled inside in ‘vile attack'
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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.'
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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.'
