Bomb defused near farm show in Belfast
A pipe bomb has been defused close to a major farming event which begins today.
Police discovered the device in the front garden of a house just yards from where the Balmoral Show is being staged in south Belfast.
Officers were alerted by a telephone warning last night.
Military explosives experts were called in and made safe the bomb, which was found under a hedge in Balmoral Avenue.
A number of items were taken away for further examination, a PSNI spokesman confirmed.
Up to 70,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event staged by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.
Regarded as the biggest farming show in Ireland, crowds flock to the Balmoral Showgrounds where nearly 400 trade stands, entertainment and livestock competitions are held.
