BUSINESSES IN Belfast were put on high alert last night after an incendiary bomb partially exploded in a city centre store.
The device, planted in the JJB sports shop in the main Royal Avenue shopping street, is thought to have failed to properly detonate some time during the early hours of the morning and was discovered by staff when they arrived for work.
Army bomb disposal experts worked throughout the day before giving the all clear.
Dissident republicans were believed to be behind the attack - the first on a city centre store for a considerable time.
Following the alert, the PSNI area commander, Chief Insp Trevor O'Neill, hit out at those responsible, accusing them of callous disregard for human life.
"We would urge all business owners to be vigilant and regularly check their premises on a daily basis, as a matter of good practice, for any type of suspicious package or device."
Northern Ireland security minister Paul Goggins condemned what he called "the criminals" who planted the bomb. "I totally and unreservedly condemn the actions of these criminals. This is an indiscriminate attack which could have caused serious injury or even death to innocent shoppers and put hardworking employees out of their jobs." - ( PA)