Suspected firebomb left in Belfast shop

A firebomb is believed to have ignited at a Belfast shop last night in the latest attack on the city’s commercial heart. It was removed by a member of staff and left outside, police said. Dissident republicans have stepped up attacks in the run up to Christmas in an effort to hit the festive trade.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Corn Market in Belfast city centre has been closed by police following an incident at around 6.40pm this evening when a suspected incendiary device was left at a shop.

“The device is believed to have ignited but was removed from the premises by staff and left outside.”

The area was sealed off while British army experts examined the device. The PSNI spokesman added: “Police are advising city centre businesses to check their premises for any suspicious objects.”

Corn Market is a shopping focal point just a few hundred metres from the site of a blast on Friday night when Christmas party goers were forced to evacuate busy bars and restaurants. A sports bag with a small explosive inside ignited on the pavement in the city’s Cathedral Quarter. – (PA)