Police have condemned “anti-peace dissidents” after a viable bomb was found under a car at an east Belfast golf club.

At least 70 people were evacuated from the Shandon Park golf club after the device was found during a tournament. The course is close to the headquarters of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Club member Alan Paterson said an individual leaving the course noticed something under the car, which belonged to a police officer. Police and club members were immediately informed.

He added: “Within several minutes, the police arrived and identified the object and said that they felt it was viable and that they should immediately evacuate the clubhouse and surrounding area, and also get everybody else off the golf course. It is very disappointing that things have been disrupted.

“We are delighted that if it was a viable device, the person concerned was not injured or worse, so that is a big plus for everybody.

“We are a very mixed club. It is east Belfast, yes, but it is a mixed club and this sort of thing should not happen – it just should not happen.”

It is understood the car park area is covered by CCTV and footage will be scrutinised by detectives. Police and army bomb disposal experts attended the scene and a robot was used to investigate the suspect device. Following the examination, army experts declared the device viable.

The car park was packed with the vehicles of golfers attending a vice-captain’s day tournament. Members had planned to watch Saturday evening’s Champions League football final at the clubhouse.

The PSNI’s Det Supt Sean Wright said: “It is very fortunate that this device was detected before it exploded and that no one was killed or seriously injured. It was clearly intended to kill the police officer.

“Our belief is that this attempted murder was carried out by violent dissident republicans. They don’t care who they attack, they don’t care who they kill. They are simply anti-peace and anti-democracy.”

Wright, who leads the Terrorism Investigation Unit, added: “In placing such a device, terrorists have also put the officer’s family, neighbours and members of the public at serious risk.

“Anyone who places an explosive device under a car in a built-up area cares little about our communities. Their reckless violence cannot be allowed to continue.”

He appealed for anyone with information to contact police.