'Dissident republicans' blamed for foiled attack on PSNI station
An attempt to attack a police station is likely a bid by dissident republicans to “make themselves relevant” ahead of the anniversary of the Easter Rising, a senior officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said.
Assistant Chief Constable, Ryan Henderson, speaking at Lurgan Police Station said: “At approximately 10.30pm, Monday 30 March, a fast food delivery driver was making a delivery in Deramore Drive in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan when he was hijacked by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a pistol.
“The men placed an object in the boot of the white Audi A4 car and the driver was ordered to drive it to Lurgan Police Station or he would be killed. The car was driven to the station where the driver escaped and ran to security staff, telling them that there was a bomb in the car.
“A significant policing operation was put in place and continued overnight with around 100 homes in the area being evacuated and residents moved to a local rest centre at Lurgan Town Hall.
“Ammunition Technical Officers carried out a controlled explosion to make the vehicle safe and we now know that this was a crude, but viable improvised explosive device. As unsophisticated as it was, it posed a significant risk to the life of the terrified delivery worker, our security staff and the local community.”
Continuing, ACC Henderson said: “This was a reckless and cowardly attack. Our investigation is in its early stages but, at this stage, we believe it’s highly likely that dissident Republican groups are responsible.
“Those responsible do not have the support of our community here in Lurgan or beyond, and it is our community who have had to deal with the disruption caused by their pathetic attempt to remain relevant and provoke fear.
“I welcome the widespread and unequivocal condemnation we have heard from across civic and political society of this attack and am grateful for the expressions of support and concern for our police officers and staff involved in this operation.
“I want to thank local residents, community representatives and businesses for their patience and support while this safety operation was carried out. Local residents have returned to their homes earlier this morning.
“Our investigation, led by specialist detectives from our Terrorism Investigation Unit, is underway and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen the hijacked vehicle in the Kilwilkie Estate or Lurgan town centre between 10.30pm and 10.50pm to contact us.”
Policing Board chair Mukesh Sharma has condemned those responsible for the security incident at Lurgan Police Station.
“This was a reckless act that has caused massive disruption to all those living and working near Lurgan station, and particularly all those who have had to leave their homes,” he said.
“Those behind this incident were intent on causing harm. They are living in a past that nobody wants and they couldn’t give a damn about the implications on people in the community or indeed the hijacked delivery driver who was threatened and forced to abandon their car at the station.
“We thank the work of police officers and ATO colleagues who have worked to deal with this device and make sure that everyone was kept safe.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “This is a shameful and dangerous attack that has put lives at risk and caused disruption and upset to the local community.
“There is absolutely no place for this utterly reckless and abhorrent behaviour.
“I would like to commend the police officers who responded quickly and professionally to this incident and my thoughts are also with all those who have been caught up by this despicable attack.”