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Car bomb was 'deliberate, reckless, stupid' attack, says Northern Ireland police chief
A car bomb exploded outside Dunmurry police station after a delivery driver was hijacked and forced to transport the device. The blast prompted evacuations and a police response, with body-worn footage released the following day. Political leaders condemned the attack, and security officials noted possible links to dissident groups, including the New IRA.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Northern Ireland from dissident groups and the risk to civilians and police, underscoring the need for vigilance and unity in response.
Timeline
7 Events
UK MPs condemn attack; government pledges support
April 28, 2026
In the Commons, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn paid tribute to the extraordinary efforts of the PSNI and said the government will continue to support policing in Northern Ireland as they seek to bring those responsible for terrorism to account.
Security experts assess threat level following two attacks
April 27, 2026
Security experts will assess what the two Dunmurry and Lurgan attacks mean for the level of threat and the current capabilities of violent groups.
Stormont press conference condemns the attack
April 27, 2026
Police chief Jon Boutcher described the attack as 'deliberate, reckless and stupid.' First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Policing Board chair Brendan Mullan condemned the attack and called for unity. Boutcher urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI.
Police release body-worn footage of the explosion
April 27, 2026
Police released body-worn footage capturing the moment the car bomb exploded outside Dunmurry police station.
Car bomb detonates outside Dunmurry police station
April 26, 2026
The device exploded outside the police station while officers directed local residents to safety in a built-up area near family homes. Evacuation of residents followed, including families with young babies. A nearby pensioner, John McGuinness, narrowly avoided harm, and a local dentist reported superficial damage to Dunmurry Dental Practice.
Delivery driver hijacked and forced to transport bomb to Dunmurry station
April 26, 2026
A delivery driver was hijacked at gunpoint in Twinbrook, west Belfast, shortly after 22:50 BST. The hijacked vehicle was fitted with a gas cylinder device and ordered to carry the bomb to Dunmurry police station.
Lurgan police station attack (non-explosive) last month
March 2026
A similar attack to the Dunmurry bombing occurred at Lurgan police station last month, but the device did not explode.