The area around the cathedral will remain sealed off until bomb disposal experts can assess the condition of the explosives inside the church

August 1, 1999
Web posted at: 5:33 a.m. EDT (0933 GMT)

From Correspondent Nic Robertson

PRISTINA, Kosovo (CNN) -- British KFOR troops investigating a powerful explosion early Sunday at a Serbian Orthodox church in Pristina discovered more explosives, and quickly evacuated the building.

The attack was one of many in recent weeks on Serbian Orthodox churches across Kosovo. Church officials said the attackers often return to strike the same church more than once.

The explosion, which caused only superficial damage and apparently no injuries, took place at the entrance to St. Sava's Serbian Orthodox Church shortly after 1 a.m.

Several dozen British paratroopers, who provide security in the area, went inside the church to investigate, then later came running out after finding the other explosive devices.

They moved onlookers outside back about 100 yards and called in bomb disposal experts.

A Canadian helicopter scoured the area, looking for the attackers.

The church, located in downtown Pristina, was under construction.