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04/09/2002
Device explodes under car of Newtownabbey councillor
A Newtownabbey councillor was the target of a paramilitary attack last night after a pipe bomb-type device exploded under his car.
The device exploded during the night and was found by the intended target, independent Labour councillor, Mark Langhammer after he noticed shrapnel protruding from the bottom of the car as he was preparing to take his children to school this morning.
Mr Langhammer believes he was targeted for his advocacy of a permanent police presence in Rathcoole. He had been attempting to set up a weekly community policing clinic in the area, and the office was due to be opened today.
Mr Langhammer said the office was also attacked last night and, as a result of both incidents, he said that the launch had to be shelved. He said that was the "sole and direct reason" why he was targeted.
"It is a very clear message to the police that there are members of this society who do not want policing," he said.
"The launch of that clinic has unfortunately been abandoned. The police clinic had been established by public demand, so those elements responsible for these attacks have deprived people of Rathcoole of an ordinary policing service to which they should be entitled."
Mr Langhammer said that he had been threatened by three separate paramilitary attacks but this was the first time that he had actually been attacked.
He would not comment on who was responsible for the attack, but added that he had "a very good idea" where it had emanated from.
A fellow Newtownabbey councillor, the UUP's Ken Robinson, condemned the attack.
"This is an assault on the democratic process itself and cannot be tolerated. The only way forward for this society is the way of peace and democracy," he said.
"I am sure my fellow councillors will want to join me in condemning this dastardly attack upon our colleague and his family."
(GMcG)
The device exploded during the night and was found by the intended target, independent Labour councillor, Mark Langhammer after he noticed shrapnel protruding from the bottom of the car as he was preparing to take his children to school this morning.
Mr Langhammer believes he was targeted for his advocacy of a permanent police presence in Rathcoole. He had been attempting to set up a weekly community policing clinic in the area, and the office was due to be opened today.
Mr Langhammer said the office was also attacked last night and, as a result of both incidents, he said that the launch had to be shelved. He said that was the "sole and direct reason" why he was targeted.
"It is a very clear message to the police that there are members of this society who do not want policing," he said.
"The launch of that clinic has unfortunately been abandoned. The police clinic had been established by public demand, so those elements responsible for these attacks have deprived people of Rathcoole of an ordinary policing service to which they should be entitled."
Mr Langhammer said that he had been threatened by three separate paramilitary attacks but this was the first time that he had actually been attacked.
He would not comment on who was responsible for the attack, but added that he had "a very good idea" where it had emanated from.
A fellow Newtownabbey councillor, the UUP's Ken Robinson, condemned the attack.
"This is an assault on the democratic process itself and cannot be tolerated. The only way forward for this society is the way of peace and democracy," he said.
"I am sure my fellow councillors will want to join me in condemning this dastardly attack upon our colleague and his family."
(GMcG)
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