Bomb explosion in Northern Ireland

A suspected dissident Republican car bomb has exploded outside a British Army barracks in Northern Ireland, less than half an hour after law and order powers were officially transferred from London to Belfast.

The explosion happened at the rear of Palace Barracks in Holywood, Co Down, police said.

A Northern Ireland Police spokeswoman said: “A device has exploded in a vehicle at the rear of Palace Barracks in Holywood.

“The explosion occurred at approximately 12.24am this morning

“There are no reports of serious injuries at this stage. The incident is ongoing.”

It is understood that homes around the Army base, north east of Belfast, were evacuated.

Police sources said the bomb was taken to the barracks in a hijacked taxi after the cab driver’s family was held hostage.

Source: Press Association