Menu
17/07/2002
Police officers escape County Down bomb attack
It is thought that dissident republicans were behind today's attack on two police officers in the Downpatrick area in County Down.
The officers were travelling on the Killough Road at around 2am, when their car was struck by an explosive device, which damaged the vehicle and caused the driver to lose control. However, the officers were unhurt, and were able to return to Downpatrick police station.
Commenting on the motivation behind the attack, Chief Superintendent Robert Robinson, said: "Although no-one has claimed it, in the last number of weeks we have had attacks on Downpatrick and Ardglass stations which were the work of dissident republicans."
The incident has been condemned by the SDLP and Sinn Fein, with SDLP MP for South Down, Eddie McGrady describing the attack as "attempted murder". He continued: "This attack on the new Police Service of Northern Ireland is an attack on the entire community. It is a most serious development putting in jeopardy the progress towards a peaceful society, towards which we are all striving – and also our hopes of creating a new future for our families and children."
These comments were echoed by Mick Murphy of Sinn Fein, who said that the perpetrators had "little or no support" and that they had neither "a mandate or indeed, a strategy to achieve political change". (CL)
The officers were travelling on the Killough Road at around 2am, when their car was struck by an explosive device, which damaged the vehicle and caused the driver to lose control. However, the officers were unhurt, and were able to return to Downpatrick police station.
Commenting on the motivation behind the attack, Chief Superintendent Robert Robinson, said: "Although no-one has claimed it, in the last number of weeks we have had attacks on Downpatrick and Ardglass stations which were the work of dissident republicans."
The incident has been condemned by the SDLP and Sinn Fein, with SDLP MP for South Down, Eddie McGrady describing the attack as "attempted murder". He continued: "This attack on the new Police Service of Northern Ireland is an attack on the entire community. It is a most serious development putting in jeopardy the progress towards a peaceful society, towards which we are all striving – and also our hopes of creating a new future for our families and children."
These comments were echoed by Mick Murphy of Sinn Fein, who said that the perpetrators had "little or no support" and that they had neither "a mandate or indeed, a strategy to achieve political change". (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
10 July 2013
Ardoyne Bomb Attack Targets Police
A bomb attack in north Belfast on Tuesday evening has been described as "a blatant attempt to kill or seriously injure police officers". Chief Inspector Andrew Freeburn said those who planted the bomb "showed callous disregard for the safety of the local community and police officers serving this community.
Ardoyne Bomb Attack Targets Police
A bomb attack in north Belfast on Tuesday evening has been described as "a blatant attempt to kill or seriously injure police officers". Chief Inspector Andrew Freeburn said those who planted the bomb "showed callous disregard for the safety of the local community and police officers serving this community.
14 December 2018
Police Disciplined Over Coleraine Pub Fight
PSNI failings compromised an investigation into off-duty police officers involved in a fight with members of the public, the Police Ombudsman has found.
Police Disciplined Over Coleraine Pub Fight
PSNI failings compromised an investigation into off-duty police officers involved in a fight with members of the public, the Police Ombudsman has found.
08 November 2010
West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed
The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast. Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.
West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed
The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast. Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
