The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has warned that 'murderous intent and capability' remains within paramilitary groups after a car bomb exploded outside a police station on the outskirts of Belfast. The attack, which police believe was carried out by the New IRA, occurred on Saturday night in Dunmurry.
Details of the Attack
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton stated that the vehicle used in the explosion had been hijacked in a manner similar to the attack on Lurgan police station in March. The car was taken shortly after 10:50 PM on Saturday in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast, and a gas cylinder device was placed in its boot. A male delivery driver was then forced to drive the car to Dunmurry police station on Kingsway and abandon it outside, triggering the station's attack alarm.
Despite the evacuation of residents, including two babies, no one was harmed in the explosion. Police officers had been evacuating nearby homes when the device detonated, engulfing the vehicle in flames and sending debris in all directions.
Political Condemnation
The attack has been widely condemned by Northern Ireland's political leaders. First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated that those responsible 'speak for absolutely no one,' while DUP leader Gavin Robinson said police and the public 'should never have to face this kind of danger.'
Deputy Chief Constable Singleton praised the swift actions of officers, calling the fact that no one was injured 'nothing short of miraculous.' He noted that the device, while lacking in sophistication, was 'recklessly unpredictable' and posed significant danger.
Links to Previous Incidents
Last month, a similar incident occurred in Lurgan, where a delivery driver was forced at gunpoint to transport a device that failed to explode. The New IRA claimed responsibility for that attack. Mr. Singleton highlighted the similarities between the two incidents, leading to the early hypothesis that the New IRA was also behind the Dunmurry bombing.
When asked about the terror threat level, Mr. Singleton stated that the current 'substantial' level, indicating an attack is likely, remains appropriate. He emphasized that the attack demonstrates the continued existence of 'murderous intent and capability' regularly deployed against PSNI officers.
Investigation and Reactions
The PSNI's terrorism investigation unit has launched an attempted murder investigation. Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Brendan Mullan described the device as intended to kill officers and cause maximum harm in a residential area. He called the attack 'depressing' and reiterated that such violence has no place in a society committed to peace.
Liam Kelly, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, expressed revulsion at the attack, calling the perpetrators 'faceless cowards' and 'a throwback to the dark ages of the Troubles.' He stressed that such actions only aim to bring pain and suffering, with no legitimate goal.
