In a shocking incident that has rekindled memories of Northern Ireland’s troubled past, a 66-year-old man faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, following a car bomb explosion outside the Dunmurry police station on the evening of 25 April. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) suspects that the New IRA, an offshoot of the Provisional IRA, is behind this alarming attack.
Details of the Attack
The explosive incident unfolded in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast, where the suspect allegedly hijacked a delivery vehicle at gunpoint. According to police reports, he was accompanied by at least one other individual armed with a firearm. The hijackers then placed a gas cylinder device in the boot of the car, forcing the driver to comply under threat of death.
Once they arrived at the Dunmurry police station, the driver managed to escape and promptly alerted security personnel. In a swift response, police evacuated the vicinity just moments before the device detonated. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, though the potential for catastrophe loomed large.
Suspect in Custody
Following the incident, the suspect was arrested under the Terrorism Act and is scheduled to appear at Lisburn magistrates court. In addition to attempted murder, he faces charges related to possession of explosives, causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause significant property damage, and hijacking by compelling individuals to act against their will.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton described the attack as reminiscent of a similar incident that occurred at a police station in County Armagh the previous month. Singleton commended the bravery of officers who “immediately and courageously ran
