BELFAST ROCKED BY EXPLOSION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 260, 30 July 1937, Page 11

BELFAST ROCKED BY EXPLOSION

Land Mine Near Route of King and Queen DAMAGE TO FACTORY Windows Broken 150 Yards Away By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright London, July 28. While the King and Queen were receiving a loyal address in the City Hall at Belfast, the air resounded with the shock of an explosion, causing considerable excitement. It was discovered that it occurred in a warehouse a quarter of a mile away. It was at first believed it was caused by an escape of gas, but a sensation was caused in London on receipt of the news just before midnight that the explosion was caused by a land mine. It occurred in Academy Street, 300yds. away from the City Hall. The original statement in the afternoon was official, but the police at a late hour, after continual questioning, admitted the explosion was caused by explosives. In the meantime the correct story was widely circulated on the Continent and later was contradicted. Italian newspapers expressed sympathy with Their Majesties and the British people. Explosives Found In Hole. The police later stated: ‘‘There is not the slightest doubt that the explosion in Belfast was caused by explosives. There was found in the hdle what looks like a bag of rags, which also contained some explosives. These and the bag had been placed against a bonded store, and to the explosives was attached a considerable length of fuse, possibly a time fuse, which is in the possession of the police.” The factory where the explosion occurred was situated adjacent to the route, but the explosion occurred an hour after the Royal procession had passed. It was a shattering explosion which blew a hole four feet, in diameter in the pavement, smashing windows 150yds. away. It was a roar as if a great shell had burst. Another land mine was found on the railway line about 300yds. from the platform just lief ore a detachment of special constabulary was due to leave Belfast Station for Londonderry. A detonator was connected with electrical apparatus some distance away. Hunt for Terrorists. In the meantime, over desolate hills on the border of the Free State and Uster, squads of armed police are hunting for terrorists. Along the frontier a score of Customs posts lie in ruins, having been mined or fired, and houses have also been burnt down. Attempts were made to blow up thirteen railway and road bridges. When a wall collapsed under the pressure of the crowd at. Balmoral, Belfast, a number of children fell almost in front of the Royal car, whichpromptly slowed up. The children scrambled to their feet, and two of them, after receiving first-aid treatment, were given seats in the grandstand. The Queen sought information about the occurrence and sympathised with the two hurt children and said she was glad the others had not been injured. POLICE BEAT A RETREAT Belfast, July 28. A machine-gun which was ■ fired across the border from the Free State last night caused Northern Ireland police in -a Customs car to retreat. It is estimated that more than 20 Customs posts were destroyed.

Police cars, with wire-netting covers, are patrolling Belfast’s decorated streets.