Bomb thrown at police vehicle in west Belfast

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said some of its officers escaped serious injury last night after an explosive device was thrown at one of its vehicles in Belfast.

The attack happened near the City Cemetery in the west of the city.

According to the ambulance service, paramedics treated up to four members of the public for shock but there were no serious injuries.

“Police in west Belfast have escaped serious injury tonight after an explosive device detonated close to their vehicle on the Falls Road,” a PSNI spokesman said.

“The incident occurred shortly before 10.30pm, close to the entrance of the City Cemetery.

“It is believed some form of explosive device was thrown at their vehicle.”

Officers have been urged to tighten personal security measures after a separate under-car bomb was found a relatively short distance away from City Cemetery earlier on Friday.

It fell from the vehicle and failed to explode, and even though the target has not been positively identified, the PSNI has not ruled out the possibility it was meant for one of their officers.