Gunman 'avoided head-on collision'
A DISSIDENT gunman who opened fire on a police station in south Armagh narrowly avoided a head-on crash with another vehicle as he made his escape, it has been revealed.
On Sunday night, police revisited the area outside Bessbrook police station, the scene of a suspected republican gun attack seven days earlier.
Officers spoke to motorists and local people in a bid to glean further information and said they would also "like to thank members of the public for their assistance to date".
Police said the vehicle used by the gunman sped off from the scene in the direction of Convent Hill, on the wrong side of the road, narrowly avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle at around 9.10am.
Detectives are keen to speak to the driver of this oncoming vehicle.
The shooting was the third such attack in a month, with two similar incidents in Crossmaglen.
Victims campaigner Willie Frazer, who attended the scene last week, said it was "clear from the size of the shells" that the gun used was high velocity.
"The question must be asked – where are these terrorists getting the guns from?" he said.
"People are now frightened to come forward with any information because they fear there will be no protection from the police if they need it."
Ulster Unionist MLA, Danny Kennedy said the shooting was further proof of the capabilities of republican terrorists.
"I believe this could have been another attempt to draw police out into the open, and we have seen several attacks like this in Crossmaglen in recent weeks."
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Monday 28 May 2012
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