Story perspectives

Car Bomb Hits Dunmurry PSNI, Dissident Republicans Blamed

4/26/2026

Summary

Police Probe Bomb

On 25 April 2026 a car bomb exploded outside the PSNI station in Dunmurry, southwest of Belfast.
The gas-cylinder bomb was hidden in the boot of a hijacked delivery driver’s vehicle in Twinbrook, prompting Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton to open an attempted-murder probe.
Police evacuated homes, rescued two babies before detonation, leaving no injuries.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Secretary of State Hilary Benn blamed dissident republicans for the attack.

Summary

Leaders Decry Bomb

DUP leader Gavin Robinson called the bombing deeply concerning and demanded it be met with full force of law.
Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows labeled the attack cowardly criminality and attributed it certainly to dissident republicans.
TUV leader Jim Allister warned the timing might not be coincidental and urged hunt for those responsible.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly called the bombing an assault on rule of law and praised police.

Summary

PSNI Investigates Bomb

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Terrorism Investigation Unit is leading the probe into the Dunmurry car bomb.
Police have not identified the perpetrators and treat the incident as a serious security attack.
Officers appealed for tips, asking anyone with information to call 101 and quote 1682 25/04/26.
A senior PSNI spokesperson called the bombing barbaric and cowardly, warning that weakened terrorist groups retain capacity to maim, murder and destroy.

History

Historical Context

The 15 August 1998 Omagh bombing, in which the Real Irish Republican Army detonated a 500-lb car bomb that killed 29 civilians and injured over 200, prompted the Irish and British governments to introduce new anti-terror legislation and a RIRA cease-fire in September. That legacy of large-scale improvised explosives underlies today’s Dunmurry car bomb ongoing investigation.

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Police Probe Bomb

On 25 April 2026 a car bomb exploded outside the PSNI station in Dunmurry, southwest of Belfast.
The gas-cylinder bomb was hidden in the boot of a hijacked delivery driver’s vehicle in Twinbrook, prompting Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton to open an attempted-murder probe.
Police evacuated homes, rescued two babies before detonation, leaving no injuries.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Secretary of State Hilary Benn blamed dissident republicans for the attack.

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