Pipe bomb places New Lodge residents at risk

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín, has slammed those who have left a device in Stratheden Street in the New Lodge area stating that they have placed local residents at risk.

“Whoever is behind this device needs to seriously consider their actions. They have placed local residents at risk, and two days before Christmas in sub zero temperatures have forced 50 families to leave their homes,” said Ní Chuilín.

“Whatever the reason behind this it is simply wrong. There is no justification and these actions are not wanted in this community.

“I am calling on whoever is responsible for this to come forward and explain the ridiculous rationale behind what they have done to this community. Further to this they need to bring these futile actions to an end.”