Crude Explosive Device Deployed in Attack on Lurgan Police Station
A delivery driver was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when he was forced at gunpoint to transport a crude but viable explosive device to Lurgan police station in Northern Ireland. The incident, which occurred late on Monday night, has been widely condemned by political leaders across the spectrum and is believed to be the work of dissident republican groups.
Driver's Harrowing Experience
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the incident as a "horrific and terrible ordeal" for the terrified delivery driver. The driver was making a delivery in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan when he was hijacked by two masked men, one armed with a pistol.
"The man placed an object in the boot of his white Audi A4 car and the driver was ordered to drive it to Lurgan police station or he would be killed," Mr Henderson told reporters. "The car was driven to the station, where the driver escaped and bravely ran to security staff telling them that there was a bomb in the car."
Major Security Operation
The abandoned white Audi at Church Place near the police station triggered a significant security response. Approximately 100 homes were evacuated overnight as part of what Mr Henderson called a "significant policing operation." Roads were closed and residents displaced while ammunition technical officers conducted a controlled explosion to render the vehicle safe.
"We now know that this was a crude but viable improvised explosive device," Mr Henderson confirmed. "As unsophisticated as it was, it posed a significant risk to the life of the terrified delivery driver, our security staff and the local community."
Political Condemnation
The attack has drawn unequivocal condemnation from political leaders across Northern Ireland and beyond:
- First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated those responsible "have nothing to offer our communities but harm, fear, and disruption"
- Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described the incident as "deeply disturbing and serve no purpose other than to endanger lives"
- Secretary of State Hilary Benn posted on social media: "I utterly condemn the reckless act of violence overnight in Lurgan directed at the police"
- Taoiseach Micheal Martin resolutely condemned what he called an "appalling attack" and "dastardly crimes"
Dissident Republican Responsibility Likely
Mr Henderson stated it was "highly likely" that dissident republicans were responsible for what he termed a "reckless and cowardly attack." He emphasized that those responsible "do not have the support of our community here in Lurgan or beyond" and that their actions represented "a pathetic attempt to remain relevant and provoke fear."
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart echoed this assessment, stating: "My understanding is that it is dissident republicans, they are small in number. There is a small nucleus that want to drag this place back. This screams of the past."
Community Impact and Response
The incident caused significant disruption to the Lurgan community, with roads closed overnight and residents evacuated from their homes. The security cordon was lifted by midday on Tuesday following a thorough fingertip search of the area.
Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd contrasted the attack with recent community celebrations, noting: "The actions of those involved stand in stark contrast to the scenes in Lurgan only two weeks ago when thousands gathered to celebrate St Patrick's Day."
Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson added: "The kind of panic, trauma and disruption caused by this attack is a stark reminder of the dark days of our past, days we will not allow ourselves to be dragged back to."
Investigation Continues
Police have appealed for information from anyone who may have seen the hijacked vehicle in the Kilwilkie estate or Lurgan town centre between 10.30pm and 10.50pm on Monday. "Any information, however small, might assist with our investigation," Mr Henderson stated.
The investigation remains in its early stages as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible for what Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long described as a "shameful and dangerous attack" with "absolutely no place" in Northern Ireland society.
