Man charged in connection in ‘fireball’ attack on female police officer’s car

Police have charged a 52-year-old man in connection with a recent ‘fireball’ bomb attached to the car of a female police officer and her child.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

He was arrested in Londonderry on Wednesday following the discovery of the device beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on Monday April 19.

The arrest came as part of the PSNI’s Operation Ledging, which is targeting the New IRA’s bomb making activities as well as the group’s storage of explosive devices and equipment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The explosive device in question was attached to a container of flammable liquid next to her car.

A viable device w left at the home of a female police officer near Dungiven in County Londonderry. Police said it was discovered on Monday morning. Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said it was being treated as "an attack" on a part-time police officer.A viable device w left at the home of a female police officer near Dungiven in County Londonderry. Police said it was discovered on Monday morning. Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said it was being treated as "an attack" on a part-time police officer.
A viable device w left at the home of a female police officer near Dungiven in County Londonderry. Police said it was discovered on Monday morning. Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said it was being treated as "an attack" on a part-time police officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said previously: “This was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or close by.”

“What is really distressing here is the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car directly at the point where the victim’s three-year-old daughter sits.”

The suspect has been charged with five offences, including preparatory acts of terrorism, possession of articles for use in terrorism as well as three separate charges of possession of explosive devices with intent to endanger life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court today, Friday May 14.

Two other men, aged 23 and 62, who were also arrested in Londonderry on Wednesday in connection with the same murder bid have been released following questioning, as the investigation continues.

MORE STORIES:

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor