Dunmurry: car bomb was designed to 'kill PSNI officers' Policing Board chair says
Brendan Mullan says it was a "miracle" no-one was injured
Last updated 5 hours ago
An explosive device that detonated in a car outside Dunmurry police station was sent to kill officers, the chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board has said.
Brendan Mullan condemned those responsible for the attack.
“This explosive device was sent to kill officers and cause maximum harm in an attack which was in the heart of a residential area,” the chairman of the PSNI’s oversight body said.
“Those responsible had callous disregard for people living close to the station and who so easily could have been caught up in this explosion.
“It is a miracle no-one was seriously injured and we thank the officers, ATO and emergency services who initially responded, and have been working to ensure everyone’s safety since.
“This is the second incident at a police station in recent weeks which is depressing. The people have spoken when they overwhelmingly endorsed the Good Friday Agreement.
“Such acts of violence have no place in a society committed to peace. We stand united in condemnation of those responsible for this terror, and in voicing support for the work of the officers and staff of the PSNI.
“Anyone with information about those responsible is urged to report it to the police on 101, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity.”
Meanwhile First Minister Michelle O’Neill said those behind the attack “speak for absolutely no-one”.
She posted on social media: “They have no vision, no support, and have nothing to offer our society.
“Our communities deserve peace.
“No-one is going to deny our young people and future generations that.
“We will keep progressing and we will keep moving forward to a better future.”
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said:
“Last night’s car explosion in Dunmurry was another display of cowardly criminality, almost certainly committed by dissident republicans. It should be utterly condemned by everyone.
“Whilst these terrorists have been heavily degraded by effective law enforcement, they retain some capacity and still harbour the intent to maim, murder and destroy.
“The PSNI are often the target of these dissident groups, but these groups don’t care who else gets hurt or traumatised.
“They are desperate, depraved and morally bankrupt gangsters seeking to drag Northern Ireland back to darker days. They will fail, just as their predecessors did.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by last night’s car explosion, those evacuated from their homes, the victim of the car hijacking, victims of terrorism in the past who will be traumatised by these scenes, and the brave PSNI officers and staff, and their families, who live under the threat of dissident republicans every day.
“I wish the PSNI every success in bringing those responsible to justice and in dismantling the remaining dissident republican gangs.
“Terrorism is wrong. It was always wrong. It will always be wrong.”