This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk-news/2013/jul/10/bomb-belfast-security-alert

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bomb found during Belfast security alert Bomb found in north Belfast ahead of Orange Order parade
(about 3 hours later)
A bomb found in north Belfast was a blatant attempt to kill police officers, a senior PSNI commander has said. With tensions building ahead of the most controversial Orange Order marching season parade through Ardoyne in north Belfast on Friday, republican dissidents have tried to kill police officers in a bomb attack in the area.
The viable device was discovered at a house in Alliance Avenue after police went to investigate reports that shots had been fired. It has emerged that the republicans attempted to lure a police patrol into Ardoyne on Tuesday night after news of shots being fired in the area were reported.
Chief Inspector Andy Freeburn said: "Those who carried out this heinous act showed callous disregard for the safety of the local community and police officers serving this community. We are very fortunate that no one was killed or seriously injured as this occurred in a residential area, putting the lives of people at risk. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed on Wednesday that they later found a viable bomb in Alliance Avenue which they said was aimed at their officers.
"This was a blatant attempt to kill or seriously injure police officers who were following up inquiries." There have been several bids to murder police officers in the north Belfast republican district, which will be the focal point of protests against an Orange Order parade passing by on Friday – the most important day in the Ulster loyalist calendar.
The alert was raised on Tuesday afternoon after reports of shots being fired in the area. A number of holes were discovered in windows of the property. Ulster Unionist Policing Board spokesman Ross Hussey described those behind the latest murder bid as "fascists who cannot accept that they must be rooted out … they cannot inflict their poison on the rest of us. Their day is gone."
Thirty families had to be evacuated as army technical officers examined the suspicious object and carried out a controlled explosion. Police Ch Insp Andrew Freeburn in North Belfast said the discovery of the bomb was "a blatant attempt to kill or seriously injure police officers".
Alliance Avenue was closed to traffic between Etna Drive and Berwick Road. All roads have reopened. During the security operation, holes were discovered in the window of a house and the army found what they said was a viable device. A controlled explosion was carried out. Thirty families had to leave their homes during the alert.
Ardoyne Community Centre was made available to residents who have since been allowed to return to their homes. Ch Insp Freeburn said: "Those who carried out this heinous act showed callous disregard for the safety of the local community and police officers serving this community. We are very fortunate that no one was killed or seriously injured."
Freeburn said police officers would not be deterred from carrying out their duty despite the risks posed by elements intent on causing them harm. Tensions are high on both sides of the community in one of the most divided parts of Northern Ireland as the Twelfth of July marches approach. Loyalists are angry that while Orangemen are being allowed to parade past the Ardoyne shops along Belfast's Crumlin Road on Friday morning they will not be allowed to make the return journey that evening as they return from Orange Order celebrations in another part of the city.
The Parades Commission – the body that adjudicates over controversial marches – has come under attack from unionist politicians who claim it has bowed to pressure from republican dissidents. Last year anti-ceasefire republicans were blamed for orchestrating riots in Ardoyne in protest at the Orangemen returning along the same route.
The first minister and Democratic Unionist party leader, Peter Robinson, said the rationale behind the determination was "deeply flawed".
"This wrong-headed approach will do little to build respect and tolerance for cultural diversity. Many will interpret this as a reward for violence and intolerance in light of events in the area last year," he said.
"The initiative taken by the local lodges in their recent engagement with residents was the right thing to do and was warmly welcomed throughout the community. Regrettably that progress has not been recognised."
In an appeal for calm prior to the marching season's climax, the Northern Ireland secretary, Theresa Villiers, said it would be "hugely damaging" for Northern Ireland if there were violence on 12 July in north Belfast.
On Tuesday, PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott announced that he would be drafting in an extra 630 police officers from other UK constabularies to help his force police the parades. This prompted the Scottish Police Federation to express concern that their members might be caught up or injured in frontline sectarian violence.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox every weekday.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox every weekday.