Home Correspondent
A man accused of launching a pipe bomb attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre during evening prayers has appeared in court and may undergo psychiatric assessment, following an incident that has shaken the city’s Muslim community.
Jonathan Robert Bell, of Chester Manor, Belfast, faces multiple charges including attempting to cause an explosion likely to endanger life, attempted arson, and criminal damage. He is also accused of constructing a pipe bomb between January and June this year.
The attack unfolded shortly after 10:10pm on June 20, when an explosive device was thrown through a window of the Islamic Centre on University Road. Around 30 worshippers were gathered inside for prayers. The device, described by authorities as “viable,” was later made safe and removed for forensic examination by ammunition technical officers, according to Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Bell was arrested at the scene under the Terrorism Act and held in custody before appearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 June. A detective sergeant told the court they could link Bell to the charges. No bail application was made.
During proceedings, it was revealed that Bell was already on licence for unrelated offences, a status that could now be reviewed by parole commissioners. His legal team raised concerns over his mental health during police interviews, prompting a request for psychiatric evaluation. However, District Judge Steven Keown deemed the request premature and remanded Bell in custody until his next hearing on 8 July.
The attempted bombing has provoked widespread condemnation from across Northern Ireland’s political spectrum and sparked renewed concerns over rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the UK.
Kashif Akram, speaking on behalf of the Islamic Centre, said the incident caused significant distress: “They were here to do their prayers, minding their own business. They were very angry, very upset.”
Raied Al-Wazzan, a former treasurer of the centre, recounted that the suspect initially tried to gain entry via the main door but was turned away by security. He then allegedly smashed a window with a brick and hurled the device inside. A member of the public reportedly intervened, potentially preventing greater harm. The building was evacuated and services were temporarily suspended, but no injuries were reported.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the attack as “shameful,” writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland.” He urged anyone with information to come forward [source: X/Twitter].
South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said the attack was “designed to cause fear among people inside the centre,” and praised both the bystander who intervened and the swift police response.
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey called the act “sinister,” adding: “These actions, fuelled by hate, only serve to spread fear and division.”
SDLP MP Claire Hanna expressed relief that no injuries were reported but described the ordeal as “frightening and disturbing” for the local community.
Green Party councillor Áine Groogan labelled the attack “cowardly and vicious,” and paid tribute to the passer-by whose actions may have averted a more tragic outcome. “This is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence is a shameful stain on our society,” she added.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt echoed the condemnation: “People of that faith are hospital surgeons and consultants, governors of our schools, contributing members of our society – unlike the racists who carry out such attacks.”
Photo: The attack occurred shortly after 10:10pm on June 20, when an explosive device was hurled through a window of the Belfast Islamic Centre on University Road. (Credit: Pacemaker)
