December Cathedral Quarter Bomb Was Moved By Bicycle, Say Police

Police investigating an explosion which happened at Belfast's Cathedral Quarter in December last year have said that the bomb was carried to the scene on the handlebars of a bicycle.

Releasing CCTV images of a suspect, police say that they have established that a pressure cooker was used in the device, which was transported to the area inside a holdall, by bicycle.

The small device exploded at Exchange Street West at about 18:45 on 13 December last year as the area was still being cleared.

No-one was injured in the blast.

"These images were taken at 5.46pm when the area was busy. In Talbot Street, the cyclist actually moves in the opposite direction to the traffic. In St Anne's Square the holdall is visible beside the bike's handlebars," Detective Inspector Chris Wilson, from Serious Crime Branch, said.

Adding: "Our inquiries are progressing. We have established that a pressure cooker was used as part of the device. The attack ruined a night out for hundreds of people but it had the potential to injure or kill.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the Cathedral Quarter around 5.45pm and saw a man on a bike wearing a black hoody and carrying a black Slazenger holdall to contact the police.

"Anything you saw or heard may be of assistance. Or if you know anything about the attack or the cyclist, please contact us."

(MH/CD)