The threat from dissident republicans who attacked the MI5 headquarters in Northern Ireland is “severe”, the police chief constable said today.
Matt Baggott said he was saddened after a car bomb claimed by the Real IRA exploded in Holywood, Co Down - minutes after security powers were transferred from London to Belfast at midnight.
The devolution move was agreed in the Hillsborough Castle Agreement brokered in February between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein.
Security personnel were evacuating the area when the device exploded and some of the 30 to 40 fleeing residents dived for cover to avoid shrapnel.
Mr Baggott said: “The threat is very severe and there are a significant minority of people who want to take us back to the past in the very worst sense that could bring.” One elderly man was slightly injured in the 12.24am attack after he was walking nearby when the device exploded.
PA