Stores put on bomb alert for Christmas

Stores across the North were put on a pre-Christmas bomb alert by police today.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland issued the warning, while saying they had no specific threat of impending attack.

It said in the busy festive season there were “hidden dangers” that could destroy businesses and ruin lives.

Business owners were reminded to check their premises throughout days ahead for anything which looked suspicious.

Incendiary devices, designed to be hidden among flammable items have destroyed businesses in previous years, and the PSNI said it was urging business owners, their staff and customers to report anything they found which looked out of place.

Inspector David Connery, head of crime prevention, said: “While there is no specific threat, we would strongly advise those in the retail sector to be mindful that incendiary attacks could happen during this busy period.

“We are calling for everyone’s co-operation to help defeat the individuals trying to inflict this on our community.”

He added: “It is not just buildings and property that feel the effect of these devices. The livelihoods of business owners and their staff are affected. The general public, as consumers, also suffer.”

The inspector said vigilance was the key and urged people to look out for anything suspicious and to report what they saw.

The PSNI warned the business community to be mindful of the security of their staff, their premises and their assets.

“An incendiary device has the potential to destroy property and take human life.

“Its purpose is to cause widespread damage. Devices can be left in garments, soft furnishings, upholstery, anywhere that can catch fire easily,” said a spokesman.