Man arrested after 'device thrown into Islamic centre

A man is being held on suspicion of committing a hate crime after a viable” explosive device was thrown through a window of the Belfast Islamic Centre during Friday evening prayers.

- GRAINNE NI AODHA

Politicians swiftly condemned the "cowardly" attack, emphasising that individuals should feel secure in their places of worship. Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn expressed his deep concern, calling the act "shameful".

"Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland. If anyone has any information about this, please contact the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland]," he said.

Police said they attended a security alert on University Road in south Belfast on Friday night after receiving a report at around 10.10pm. A 34-year-old man was arrested under the Terrorism Act and is being held in custody.

Assistant chief constable Anthony McNally said: "Officers attended and carried out a search of the building where a suspicious device was discovered. Ammunition technical officers attended and examined the object which was determined as viable and has since been removed for forensic examination.