Northern Ireland's justice minister has said a proxy bomb attack attempt on Lurgan police station would have caused “devastation” if it had detonated. Naomi Long visited the station on Wednesday and described the incident as “abhorrent”, saying it showed a complete disregard for the wellbeing and safety of everyone living in the town.
Dissident republicans have been blamed for the attack, in which a food delivery driver was hijacked in Kilwilkie and forced to drive a “crude but viable” device to the station. Police said it was likely to have been a “sad and futile” bid by dissident republicans to “make themselves relevant” ahead of the anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Ms Long paid tribute to the delivery driver, who she said was “caught up in what must have been an absolutely horrific experience”. She added: “Over the years, we have seen how lives have been lost in similar incidents. Had the device used in this incident exploded prematurely, it would have resulted in similar devastation.”
Superintendent Brendan Green said officers had been “heartened” by widespread support and the minister's visit. He said those responsible for placing the device in an innocent man's car did not represent the residents of Lurgan, and their actions had no support from local people. “They offer nothing to our community beyond the disruption and distress caused by their pathetic attempt to achieve some kind of relevance,” he said.
Ireland's leaders also condemned the attack. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he “despaired” at the thought of the attack, describing it as an “appalling” tactic witnessed before during The Troubles, with “horrendous outcomes”. Deputy Premier Simon Harris said the incident was “deeply chilling and deeply concerning”, adding that Northern Ireland's dark history needs to be left there.
