Lurgan proxy bomb attempt ‘would have caused devastation’, Long says

A proxy bomb attack attempt on Lurgan police station would have caused “devastation” if it had detonated, Northern Ireland’s justice minister has said.

Dissident republicans have been blamed for the incident, which saw a food delivery driver hijacked in Kilwilkie and forced to drive a “crude but viable” device to the station.

It has been roundly condemned by political leaders across Northern Ireland.

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.

The 1916 rising is marked annually as one of the events leading to the independence of the Republic of Ireland from British rule in 1922.

On Wednesday, Naomi Long paid tribute to those who work at the station during a visit, describing the attempted attack as “abhorrent”.

“It shows a complete disregard for the wellbeing and safety of everyone who lives in the town,” she said.

“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.”

She added her thoughts are with the delivery driver, who she said was “caught up in what must have been an absolutely horrific experience”.

“I hope he is able to come to terms with the trauma he has suffered,” she said.

“Targeting people who are simply going about their business shows the mindset of the people behind this attack. They offer nothing to society.

“However, this has undoubtedly been a stark reminder that there are still those who want Northern Ireland to live under the shadow of terror and violence.

“It has also brought to the forefront the fact that police officers continue to face a threat to their lives simply for doing their job.

“The officers who dealt with this incident did so in a professional and swift manner, putting themselves at risk, as they so often do, to ensure the safety of the public.

“I know they will not be deterred from continuing to keep the people of Lurgan safe and I would like to pay tribute to their ongoing dedication, professionalism and contribution to society.”

Superintendent Brendan Green said officers have been “heartened” by widespread support and the minister’s visit.

“There is no doubt that those responsible for placing the device in an innocent man’s car and forcing him to drive it to the police station do not represent the residents of Lurgan, nor do their actions have the support of local people,” he said.

“They offer nothing to our community beyond the disruption and distress caused by their pathetic attempt to achieve some kind of relevance.

“We have been heartened by the widespread and unequivocal condemnation of the perpetrators, and the vocal support we have received from across our community, as well as from civic and political representatives.

“We were glad to welcome the Justice Minister to Lurgan today and share with her our pride and gratitude for the commitment of our officers and staff who work tirelessly every day, despite the inherent threat and risk they face, to keep local people safe.”

Earlier, Ireland’s leaders described the attack as “appalling” and “deeply chilling”.

The Irish premier Micheal Martin told reporters on Wednesday morning he “despaired” at the thought of the attack.

The Taoiseach said an “appalling” tactic had been used, one that was “witnessed before during The Troubles”.

At that time, he said, there were “horrendous outcomes” and described the plan as the product of “a very degraded mind”.

Speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin, he said: “It’s depressing that that type of thinking is still prevalent, and there is no room for it in our society.

“Our thoughts go to the PSNI community, they need our support, they need the support of everybody in Northern Ireland and on the Island of Ireland.”

As he arrived for the Cabinet meeting, the Deputy Premier Simon Harris said Northern Ireland’s dark history needs to be left there.

“What we have seen in Lurgan is deeply chilling and deeply concerning, and I take very seriously what the PSNI say,” he told reporters outside the Oireachtas.

The Tanaiste said: “The dark history needs to be left just there, and it is a reminder of the fact that we can never ever let our guard down in relation to that.

“We have a peace process on the island of Ireland, an enduring one, an ongoing one, and this chilling event is deeply concerning.”