The Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has condemned an explosion in Northern Ireland as "callous and cowardly".

A prison officer was taken to hospital after the bomb detonated under a vehicle in Belfast.

The 52-year-old man suffered serious leg injuries, and is in a stable condition in hospital.

It is understood he was driving to work when the device detonated in Hillsborough Drive, off Woodstock Road, at 7.10am.

Detectives are examining the possibility that the bomb may have dislodged from the vehicle as it went over a speed bump.

In a statement, Minister Flanagan said: "I am deeply concerned to learn of the bomb attack this morning in east Belfast which has injured an officer of the Northern Ireland Prison Service".

"My immediate thoughts are for the health and welfare of the injured officer and I convey my best wishes to him, his family and colleagues".

"This callous and cowardly incident must be utterly condemned. Not only was it targeted on an individual public servant, it represented a futile attack on the entire community which is determined to achieve a peaceful and reconciled society in Northern Ireland", he added.

"Attack is highly possible"

The assistant chief constable of the PSNI has said some members of the community there could mark the 1916 centenary in a "sinister" way.

Stephen Martin says the force is conscious of the events this Easter.

"There are dozens and dozens of events being organised across Northern Ireland - we are working with the event organisers to ensure that they pass off peacefully", he said.

"We will be culturally sensitive in our policing of the Easter '16 events".

"The threat is severe - that means an attack is highly possible".

"There are people within dissident Republican groupings who want to mark the Easter 2016 hundredth anniversary in an entirely more sinister way - who want to kill police officers, prison officers or soliders" he added.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said that a number of houses on Hillsborough Drive had been evacuated and people were being sent to an emergency centre at the Salvation Army on nearby Cregagh Road.

At the scene, a twisted bumper could be seen lying on the side of the road while a police dog sniffed out shop fronts and rubbish bins for any traces of further explosives.

Reporter David Blevins said: "This bears all the hallmarks of a dissident Republican attack".

"Renegade Republicans who oppose the peace process, who believe Sinn Fein surrendered, if you like, have continued to be active, although security forces and police have been very successful in thwarting attacks of this nature".

Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the attack as "disgraceful and despicable".

 

Lisa Flavelle lives nearby and heard the explosion.

These local residents have been speaking to Q Radio.