THREE PSNI OFFICERS who were responding to a call on Saturday night escaped injury when an explosive device detonated in the Hazelbank area near the M5, Belfast.

Police now believe that the target of the blast were PSNI officers and they are treating the attack as an “attempted murder”.

Following the blast, the area was immediately sealed off but the M5 was reopened last night. However, the area along the Duncrue towpath, between Dargan and Fortwilliam, remains closed this morning.

Nobody was injured in the attack but the police officers involved were left “badly shaken”.

Chief Superintendent Henry Irvine said it was “only by good fortune” that nobody was killed or badly injured because “it is a well known area used everyday by members of the local community”.

PSNI are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

READ: PSNI investigate reports of ‘blast’ near police officers >

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Belfast bomb was an 'attempted murder' attack on PSNI officers' lives

READ: PSNI investigate reports of ‘blast’ near police officers >

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.