Controlled explosion on suspect car

Army bomb disposal experts tonight carried out a controlled explosion on a suspected stolen car thought to have a firebomb onboard.

Detectives investigating a suspicious Northern-registered car near Rathcoole in west Dublin, went to examine the vehicle shortly before 6pm.

It is understood they were called out after the Renault car was towed to a premises in the Kingswood Cross area.

When they spotted what they believed to be an explosive device inside it they called out the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team from Cathal Brugha barracks in Rathmines.

The military bomb experts arrived on the scene at around 6.50pm and asked the fire service to douse the car in water before taking measures to ensure it was safe.

A controlled explosion was detonated at around 9.30pm but a preliminary follow-up examination by the Army found that the suspected firebomb was a power unit and not a viable explosive.

Gardai removed the car for further forensic tests.

It is believed they are in contact with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to establish the ownership of the car.