Ulster Unionist Policing Board member Ross Hussey MLA has praised the actions of the Police in Londonderry in foiling a mortar bomb attack .
Mr Hussey said:
“Thanks to the actions of the Police in Londonderry last night, a van carrying four fully primed mortars was prevented from reaching its intended target and committing mass murder. Bearing in mind the tactics used by the Provisional IRA in its 1985 attack on Newry Police Station, it is reasonable to assume that another Police Station such as Strand Road was the intended target.
I am very relieved that the Police operation was a success and I once again commend their actions and also those of the Army bomb disposal unit for their bravery as work to protect the entire community.”
Ronnie McKeegan, Chair of The Ulster Unionist Party’s Foyle Association echoed his colleague’s comments saying:
“This was an extremely reckless action which could have had horrific consequences. Not only could Police officers have been murdered if the mortars had reached their target, but if these inherently unstable devices had exploded en route, then there could have been mass civilian casualties.
The type of fanatics who transport bombs through or plant them in town and city centres care nothing for the lives and safety of others.
These groups are a danger to the entire community and it is in the interests of every single person in Northern Ireland that we all stand firmly behind our Police service and the brave men and women who protect and serve us all.”