Car bomb explodes in Belfast city centre

Police have confirmed that the bomb, which partially exploded inside a car, contained 60kgs of home-made explosives.

17:11 25 November 2013

A bomb, which contained 60kgs of homemade explosives, has exploded inside a car in Belfast city centre. Hundreds were caught up in the alert with some forced to spend the night out of their homes.

According to the police, a masked gang hijacked a car on Sunday and ordered the driver to take it to a shopping centre while the bomb was on board. It exploded as Army bomb experts was about to check the car that was left at the entrance of Victoria Square car park.

No one was injured.

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has condemned the attack. She said: "Families have been forced out of their homes and commuters delayed in their journey to work by this attempt to attack ordinary people going about their daily business.”

Meanwhile, Justice Minister David Ford, said: "Those responsible for this attack have shown a total disregard for life, including that of the driver they forced to carry the device. They also have a disregard for the people of Belfast.”

"Had the device exploded en route it could have caused untold death and injury."