Belfast bombing incidents more than double as new PSNI security figures reveal rise in shootings

The number of security-related bombing incidents recorded in Belfast has more than doubled over the past year, according to new statistics published by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Figures released on Friday 9 October show that seven bombing incidents were recorded in Belfast during the 12 months ending 30 September 2026, compared with three during the previous 12-month period.

The number of shooting incidents in the city also increased, from one to four.

Across Northern Ireland, police recorded 16 bombing incidents and 14 shooting incidents, compared with 10 and 11 respectively during the previous year.

Despite the increases, there were no security-related deaths anywhere in Northern Ireland during the latest reporting period.

Belfast records seven bombing incidents

Belfast accounted for seven of Northern Ireland’s 16 recorded bombing incidents during the 12-month period.

This represented an increase of four incidents compared with the previous year.

The PSNI defines bombing incidents as those involving explosive devices which either detonate or are defused. Hoax devices, petrol bombings and incendiary incidents are excluded from these figures.

Shooting incidents in Belfast also rose from one to four, while Derry City and Strabane recorded five incidents, the highest number of any policing district.

The PSNI’s shooting statistics include incidents involving shots fired by terrorists, security forces and paramilitary-style attacks, as well as reports of shots heard that are subsequently confirmed.

Paramilitary-style assaults fall in Belfast

While shooting and bombing incidents increased, the number of people injured in paramilitary-style assaults in Belfast fell.

Six casualties were recorded in the city during the latest 12-month period, compared with 11 during the previous year.

However, Belfast still recorded the highest number of casualties from this type of assault among Northern Ireland’s policing districts, followed by Ards and North Down with five.

The number of casualties from paramilitary-style shootings in Belfast increased from zero to two.

Across Northern Ireland, 19 people were injured in paramilitary-style assaults, down from 22, while four people were injured in paramilitary-style shootings, compared with five previously.

All 23 casualties recorded across the two categories were aged 18 or over.

No security-related deaths for more than two years

The latest statistics show there were no security-related deaths in Northern Ireland during the 12 months ending September 2026.

There were also no such deaths during the previous 12-month period.

The last recorded security-related death occurred in Belfast in January 2024, more than two and a half years ago.

Security-related deaths are defined by the PSNI as deaths directly linked to terrorism, subversive or sectarian conflict, or security force activity.

Terrorism Act arrests and weapons recoveries

Police recorded 17 security-related arrests under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 during the latest reporting period, compared with 19 during the previous year.

Six of those arrests occurred in Belfast, five in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, and three in Mid Ulster.

Five people arrested under the legislation were subsequently charged with an offence, unchanged from the previous year.

The statistics also recorded the recovery of 11 firearms across Northern Ireland, compared with six in the previous period.

Police recovered 396 rounds of ammunition, down from 469, while the quantity of explosives recovered fell from 0.85kg to 0.55kg.

Latest figures remain provisional

The statistics cover security-related incidents reported to police between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026.

The PSNI says figures relating to the current financial year remain provisional and may be subject to minor revisions.

Police also caution that the statistics include only incidents brought to their attention, meaning some incidents may go unreported.

The next monthly update is scheduled for 6 November 2026.

Full statistical bulletin: PSNI Security Situation Statistics to September 2026 (PDF)

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