DETECTIVES IN BELFAST are investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon in which a petrol bomb exploded near a 4-year-old girl.

Police said that the little girl was playing in the the Bryson Street area when a petrol bomb is believed to have been thrown over the interface, an area that divides unionist and nationalist areas.

The bomb ignited close to the girl but a PSNI spokesperson told TheJournal.ie that she was not thought to have been injured as an ambulance was declined.

Tensions are high in the area following an incident two says ago where a petrol bomb was thrown from the Short Strand into Cluan Place. A 15-year-old male was arrested for arson subsequently and police have also received reports of stones being thrown between different areas.

This evening, police appealed for calm in the area.

“A number of young people gathered at the interface last night and police would ask parents to ensure that they know the whereabouts of their children to ensure that they do not get drawn into any violence or anti-social behaviour”, the PSNI said in a statement.

Read: World War II device found near G8 venue>
Read: Pipe bomb found in Strabane, an hour north of the G8 summit>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More