Car Bomb Explodes Outside Police Station in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland; New IRA Suspected
BELFAST — A car bomb exploded outside a police station in Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast, late on Saturday evening, April 26, 2026. Police have stated that the attack may have been carried out by the dissident republican group known as the New IRA.
The Attack
According to Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton, the incident occurred at approximately 22:50 BST. A delivery driver’s vehicle was hijacked in Twinbrook, west Belfast, fitted with a gas cylinder explosive device, and forced to drive to the Dunmurry police station.
When the device detonated, several officers were in the process of evacuating nearby residents, including two babies. Singleton confirmed that no one was injured or killed thanks to the swift action taken by police.
“These mindless idiots wantonly risked the lives of local residents including very young children,” Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned. “This was not just an attack aimed at our incredible and hard-working police officers and staff. This was an attack against the very society that so many people have strived to achieve.”
Similarities to Previous Attack
Singleton noted there were “very many similarities” between this incident and an attack last month at a police station in Lurgan, County Armagh, suggesting the same organization may be responsible. He emphasized that the investigation remains at an early stage and all possibilities are being kept open.
The explosion occurred in a heavily residential area with many elderly residents. Some residents stayed in their homes overnight, while others were first evacuated to the police station and then transferred to the Brook Leisure Centre in Dunmurry.
Widespread Condemnation
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack on social media: “My thoughts are with the local community, and with the PSNI officers who work every day to keep people safe. I urge anyone with information to come forward. Those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Northern Ireland’s first minister and deputy first minister also issued strong condemnations, calling the attack “cowardly” and urging all sectors of society to reject such violence.
Analysts note that this is one of the most serious security incidents in Northern Ireland in recent years, highlighting the continued threat posed by dissident republican groups. Despite significant improvements in security since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the New IRA and similar organizations continue to carry out sporadic attacks.