Full Breakdown
Man Charged Over Car Bomb Attack on Dunmurry Police Station
5/2/2026, 5:55:36 AM
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
On 25 April 2026 a delivery driver was hijacked in Twinbrook, west Belfast. A gas-cylinder bomb was forced into his car and driven to Dunmurry Police Station, where it exploded during evacuation. No injuries were reported, though families with infants were temporarily displaced.
Investigation and Charges
Detectives arrested a 66-year-old man in Dunmurry on 28 April under the Terrorism Act. He faces six offences, including attempted murder, possession of explosives and hijacking. The Public Prosecution Service will review the case before his appearance at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on 2 May.
Timeline of Key Events
- 25 April 2026 22:50 BST – Hijacking, bomb placement and explosion at Dunmurry Police Station.
- 28 April 2026 – Arrest of the 66-year-old suspect.
- 2 May 2026 – Court appearance.
Background: Dissident Republican Threat
The New IRA, a splinter of the Provisional IRA, claimed the attack. Dissident republicans reject the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and have used improvised explosives and proxy-bombs in recent months, though they are far smaller than the historic IRA.
Official Responses
PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised officers for “immediately and courageously” entering danger and evacuating homes. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said the force must protect communities and officers, adding patrols, checkpoints and a “substantial” threat level. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn urged anyone with information to contact police; Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan pledged full cooperation.
Criticism and Opposition
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland called the New IRA claim “all the hallmarks of fascist thugs and cowards.” New IRA leader Liam Kelly dismissed the claim as “pathetic” and “old rhetoric dressed as new.” Community leaders urged unity and support for police.
Data and Impact
The suspect faces six terrorism-related offences. No injuries were recorded, but dozens of households were evacuated. The PSNI raised the threat level to “substantial” and added checkpoints across Belfast.
Verbatim Quotes
- “nothing short of miraculous” — Bobby Singleton, Deputy Chief Constable, PSNI
- “immediately and courageously ran into danger, placing themselves in harm’s way, and evacuated nearby homes to protect the community” — Bobby Singleton, Deputy Chief Constable, PSNI
- “Our job is to keep communities safe and also our officers who bravely serve to protect these communities.” — Davy Beck, Assistant Chief Constable, PSNI
- “all the hallmarks of fascist thugs and cowards” — Chairman, Police Federation for Northern Ireland
What’s Next
The suspect will be tried at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on 2 May, with further charges possible. PSNI continues security sweeps, checkpoints and a public appeal for information.
