Dublin Devices Probed As Belfast Alert Continues

The bomb disposal unit is investigating two suspect devices - believed to be pipe bombs - found in Fairview Park in Dublin this morning and gardaí officers are also investigating a suspicious package at social welfare offices in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin.

A man out walking his dog saw what looked like devices in bushes at the park at about 8am and called gardaí, who notified the Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team.

A police spokeswoman has since said the devices "appear to be viable" and that a section of the park along the Malahide Road as far as Edges Corner has been closed but there is no traffic disruptions as a result.

Gardaí are appealing for anybody who saw any unusual activity in the Fairview Park area to contact them at Clontarf Garda Station on 01 6664800.

Fairview Park is an open area of parkland, built on reclaimed land, which was reduced in size in recent years due to the development of the Dublin Port Tunnel, whose entrance is just beyond the old park perimeter.

Gardaí are also investigating reports of a suspicious package being sent to social welfare offices in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin.

There are some suggestions that it may be an Anthrax scare, but there is no confirmation if this is the case. The alert began just before 1pm and safety procedures are being put in place.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the border, traffic is being diverted away from the scene of a bomb alert at a shopping complex in south Belfast.

Army technical experts were called to the Boucher Road at about 11.15am, also on Friday.

It is understood that a suspect package was discovered at Boucher Plaza. A number of premises have been evacuated.

A controlled explosion has since been carried out and the area around the shopping complex has been closed to traffic. A PSNI spokesman has appealed to motorists to avoid the area.

See: Dublin And Belfast Probing Separate Bomb Alerts

(BMcC)