Improvised weapon found at UK primary school ‘designed to fire high-calibre bullets’

Police say device most likely hidden by dissident Republican terrorists

(Google)

An “improvised weapon” capable of firing high-calibre bullets has been found at a primary school in north Belfast.

The discovery of the device near a nature garden prompted the evacuation of about 300 pupils and staff on Monday afternoon.

Police said it was likely left at the Holy Cross Boys Primary School by dissident Republican terrorists and described it as “an act of utmost recklessness”.

“It was probably destined to be used in an attempt to kill or seriously injure police officers,” said PSNI district commander Jonathan Roberts.

“I would like to say that this is an act of utmost recklessness and a highly stupid act, the people that have done this do not represent any kind of cause, they do not represent any section of the community. What they have done is endanger the lives of children.

“The device was left in the immediate area where the youngest children would be playing during the course of the school day.”

The PSNI’s anti-terrorism unit is investigating.

School principal Kevin McArevey ​told UTV he found the device while helping the caretaker unblock the sewers.

“I lifted a manhole cover and to my surprise I saw a plastic bag with what seemed to be something heavy in it,” he said.

“I initially thought it was a small spade so I lifted it out myself and unravelled the packaging only to be surprised to see wires at the top of this object. It immediately aroused my suspicions so I went and I phoned the police.”

The PSNI said there would be further disruption at the school on Tuesday.

Former Belfast mayor Nichola Mallon said the hiding of the device at a primary school was “disgraceful”. She tweeted: “These people care nothing for their community. They’re happy to put children and school staff at risk.

“The thugs behind this have nothing to offer the people of Ardoyne and they will not drag us back to the past.”