Incendiary device sparks new alert
An incendiary device was found in a shopping centre today.
The device appeared to have burned itself out without causing much damage to the Iceland store at the Ards Shopping Centre in Newtownards, Co Down.
Police urged shop keepers in the town centre to search their premises and report anything suspicious.
Dissident republicans were suspected of planting the device, the second discovered in 36 hours.
Late on Saturday the Next store at the Forestside shopping centre in south east Belfast was extensively water damaged when an incendiary device ignited, damaged stock and off the sprinkler system.
The latest incident raised fresh fears of a new wave of attacks over the Easter period. Last December dissidents republicans were responsible for a series of incendiary bomb attacks on shops in the run up to Christmas.
Police appealed for vigilance across Northern Ireland following the incendiary bomb attacks against the two shopping centres.
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland condemned those responsible saying they put lives and property at risk and caused unnecessary disruption.
He said the PSNI was asking all business owners and managers to review their security measures and check their premises thoroughly both during and after trading.
“An extra few minutes could make all the difference,” he said.
Mr McCausland added: “All right thinking people should be appalled by these attacks. Some elements of society are intent on causing destruction and putting lives at risk.
“These attacks also threaten the jobs of ordinary people in communities across Northern Ireland.”
