Car bomb 'an attempt to derail peace process'
A 400LB car bomb which partially exploded outside Policing Board headquarters on Saturday night was an attempt to derail the political process, Chief Constable Matt Baggott has said.
"We have said from day one that the terrorist situation is severe," said Mr Baggott.
"We have substantial resources being put into investigating and thwarting these attacks.
"This attack is an attack on the well-being of everybody in Northern Ireland, this is not about an attack on policing or the Policing Board, this is an attack on young people and young people's future."
A car broke through a barrier into Clarendon Dock around 7pm, close to the Policing Board headquarters. The back of the vehicle went on fire and two men were seen escaping.
"It does appear to be a device that has partially exploded, around 400lb," said Mr Baggott.
"It is a reckless act not just in doing damage but also the potential loss of life."
A car was found burned out nearby in the staunchly republican New Lodge area of the city and police are investigating whether there was any link with the earlier attack.
Referring to those behind the car bomb and the incident in Garrison in which police exchanged fire with suspected dissident republicans, Northern Ireland Security Minister Paul Goggins said: "Very clearly these people are trying to undermine the progress that has been made in Northern Ireland in recent years. When attacks like these happen, it brings people together with the strong message that these dissidents will not succeed."
The Policing Board is made up of independent members of the community and politicians who hold police to account through regular public meetings.
Chairman Barry Gilligan said: "This attack last night was an attack upon the entire community, not only the 19 members of the Policing Board but also the staff who work in that building who are working on behalf of the community in holding the Chief Constable to account.
"We will continue to work on behalf of the entire community to deliver that effective and efficient police service which they demand and which they are entitled to."
The DUP's Ian Paisley Jnr said: "These criminals have nothing to offer the community other than death, violence and bloodshed. They have no support within the wider community and are beneath contempt.
"I know I speak for all right-thinking people throughout the community when I condemn these murderers and urge them to cease their dastardly terrorist activity."
Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly said: "It is unacceptable and I condemn it.
"If this attack is the work of one of the small republican militarist groupings then my message to them is very clear. These actions are futile and have no place in advancing republican or democratic objectives. These activities need to end."
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Weather for Belfast
Sunday 27 May 2012
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