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A suspected viable bomb has been found under a car belonging to a police officer at an east Belfast golf club, it is understood.<\/p>\nA suspected viable bomb has been found under a car belonging to a police officer at an east Belfast golf club, it is understood.<\/p>\n
A tournament being held at the Shandon Park Golf Club was cancelled and at least 70 people evacuated.<\/p>\n
The course is close to the headquarters of the PSNI.<\/p>\n
Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process pose a serious threat to the security forces and have used similar methods to attack their members in the past.<\/p>\n
Club member Alan Paterson said an individual leaving the course noticed something under the car.<\/p>\n
Someone immediately informed police and club members.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWithin several minutes the police arrived and identified the object and said that they felt it was viable and that they should immediately evacuate the clubhouse and surrounding area, and also get everybody else off the golf course.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is very disappointing that things have been disrupted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted that if it was a viable device the person concerned was not injured or worse, so that is a big plus for everybody.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a very mixed club. It is east Belfast, yes, but it is a mixed club and this sort of thing should not happen \u2013 it just should not happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is understood the car park area is covered by CCTV and footage will be scrutinized by detectives.<\/p>\n
Police and Army bomb disposal experts attended the scene.<\/p>\n
The car park was packed with the vehicles of golfers attending a vice-captain\u2019s day tournament.<\/p>\n
A robot was used to investigate the suspect device.<\/p>\n
Members had planned to watch Saturday evening\u2019s Champions League football final at the clubhouse.<\/p>\n
Mr Paterson added: \u201cA disappointing day, it was nice to plan but it is not going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Democratic Unionist Stormont Assembly member Joanne Bunting said it was a busy club with many golfers and social members on the premises, which is surrounded by residential communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be absolutely reckless for anyone to target such a busy area with an explosive device,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether or not this is a viable device remains to be seen but either way we should recognize the alertness and swift response of all involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cNevertheless, it will have caused disruption, inconvenience and worry.\u201d<\/p>\n