Explosion at SDLP building in Belfast

The SDLP offices in Belfast have been damaged by an explosion that occurred at around 8:30 p.m. this evening.

The SDLP offices in Belfast have been damaged by an explosion that occurred at around 8:30 p.m. this evening.

Four people inside at the time of the attack are said to be suffering from shock but otherwise unhurt.

They were kept inside the building for around an hour until the RUC explosives team complete an examination of the scene to check for explosive devices. The police have not confirmed the cause of the blast but say it appears to be have been caused by a "crude explosive device".

Eye-witnesses say the front of the building is damaged with the front door blown in. The hall has also been damaged.

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Local assembly-member Mr Alban Magennis is not understood to have been in the building at the time.