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Car explosion outside Dunmurry police station treated as attempted murder
An attempted murder investigation is under way after a car exploded outside a Belfast police station. The hijacked vehicle was fitted with a gas cylinder device and driven to Dunmurry station; no injuries were reported. Residents were evacuated and a police terrorism investigation is underway.
Why It Matters
The incident raises concerns about safety in residential areas and shows the PSNI's response in cases involving potential terrorism. It prompted political condemnation and heightened emphasis on peace and security in Northern Ireland.
Timeline
7 Events
Public, political and community reactions emphasise peace and condemn violence
April 25, 2026
Policing Board Chair Brendan Mullan said the device was sent to kill officers and cause maximum harm in an attack in the heart of a residential area, and noted it was the second such incident at a police station in recent weeks. Local and national politicians condemned the attack, including Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood, West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, and Secretary of State Hilary Benn, who called it a cowardly attempt to cause injury and destruction and reaffirmed commitment to peace.
Scene remains; residents evacuated and sheltered overnight
April 25, 2026
The burnt-out remnants of the car remained at the scene. The area is described as residential with many elderly residents; some stayed in their homes overnight while family members arrived at police cordons. Some residents were evacuated from their homes into the police station, and then taken to Brook Leisure Centre in Dunmurry for the night.
Officials condemn attack; statements from leaders
April 25, 2026
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said it was everyone's responsibility to call out such reckless attacks. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said those behind the attack have no vision or support and that communities deserve peace. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said such acts are as wrong today as they were in the past.
Investigation launched by PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit
April 25, 2026
The investigation will be led by the PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit, and authorities appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
No injuries reported due to swift action
April 25, 2026
PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said no one was injured thanks to the swift action taken by officers and emergency responders.
Car explodes outside Dunmurry police station; residents evacuated
April 25, 2026
The device exploded when the car was parked outside Dunmurry police station. Several residents, including two babies, were being taken to safety by officers when the explosion occurred.
Delivery driver's car hijacked and driven to Dunmurry station
April 25, 2026
A delivery driver's car was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast, fitted with a gas cylinder device, and the driver was forced to drive it to Dunmurry police station.