Police in Northern Ireland answering a bogus call for help survived a booby-trap bomb attack, detectives revealed today.
They were responding to a 999 call in which a man claimed to have heard a woman in distress in a wooded area off Annadale embankment in south Belfast.
But officers who raced to the scene at about midnight subsequently found a bomb and wire attached to the gate they passed through to search the area.
Superintendent Chris Noble confirmed that a viable device capable of causing multiple deaths was discovered.
He said police believed the bomb had failed to detonate.
Brian Rea of the Policing Board Brian Rea urged vigilance following the discovery.
"These police officers were responding to a call for assistance and it is simply fortuitous that this device did not detonate.
"Whilst it is believed the target was police, given the location, this
could easily have been detonated by a member of the public passing
through," Mr Rea said.
"With the people responsible for leaving this and other devices showing complete recklessness, there is a need for community vigilance and support for police at this time.
Additional reporting: PA