Police in Northern Ireland have stated that "murderous intent and capability" still exist within paramilitary groups after a car exploded outside a police station on the outskirts of Belfast. The incident occurred in Dunmurry late Saturday evening, and detectives believe the New IRA was behind the attack, treating it as attempted murder.
Details of the Attack
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that the vehicle was hijacked around 10:50 PM in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast. A gas cylinder device was placed in the boot, and a male delivery driver was forced to drive the car to Dunmurry police station on Kingsway and abandon it. Nearby residents, including two babies, were evacuated, and no one was harmed in the explosion.
Singleton praised the swift actions of officers who "immediately and courageously ran into danger" to evacuate homes. He noted that while the device lacked sophistication, it was "recklessly unpredictable," engulfing the vehicle in flames and sending debris in all directions. He described the lack of injuries as "nothing short of miraculous."
Similarities to Previous Incident
This attack bears resemblance to an incident in March when a delivery driver was forced at gunpoint to transport a device to Lurgan police station, which failed to explode. The New IRA claimed responsibility for that attack. Singleton confirmed that due to the "very many similarities," the early hypothesis is that the New IRA is also responsible for the Dunmurry attack.
Political Reactions
First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated that those behind the attack "speak for absolutely no one," while DUP leader Gavin Robinson emphasized that police and the public should not face such danger. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack on X, affirming that "those responsible will be brought to justice" and expressing solidarity with the community and PSNI officers.
Brendan Mullan, chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, described the device as intended "to kill officers and cause maximum harm in a residential area." He expressed dismay at the second such incident in weeks, noting that the public has overwhelmingly endorsed the Good Friday Agreement.
Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, called the attack "a throwback to the dark ages of the Troubles" and said it demonstrates that some still wish to murder police officers and inflict suffering. He branded the perpetrators "faceless cowards" with no place in modern society.
Threat Level and Vigilance
When asked about reassessing the current "substantial" terrorist threat level in Northern Ireland, Singleton emphasized the need for continued vigilance, noting that the Lurgan device failed through good fortune. He warned that the explosives used in Dunmurry are "extremely volatile" and that the attack underscores the ongoing murderous intent and capability directed against officers.
