Strabane Terror Shock: Man Charged Over Police Bomb Blast
Charlie Love, 28, from Bridge Street, Strabane, faces serious charges after a daring attack on police that rocked the town in November. He’s charged with two counts of attempted murder, causing an explosion, and possessing explosives.
Explosive Incident Rocks Strabane
On the night of November 17 at just before 11pm, police patrols in Strabane’s Mount Carmel area heard a massive flash and a thunderous bang as they drove by. Following up, officers found a crater at a nearby construction site. Forensics confirmed military-grade explosives were used.
Detectives uncovered a command wire leading to a suspected firing point near a tree stump, along with a drill and wiring believed to be the trigger. CCTV showed a man in dark clothes fleeing the scene down an alleyway.
DNA Links Suspect to Bombing
Charlie Love was arrested the next day, November 18. Police seized his phone. Despite giving no comment in several interviews, forensic testing tied his DNA to key items from the blast site — including the firing mechanism and command wire.
A barrister for Love challenged the DNA evidence, claiming “DNA is very transmittable and can be planted.” But the detective inspector handled the question by saying he wasn’t a forensic expert.
Police See Threat, Judge Denies Bail
Detective inspectors branded Love “an extremely dangerous individual” linked to Saoradh, thought to be the political wing of the New IRA. Police say he also took part in a protest outside Strabane police station a week after the blast.
Love is described as a “vulnerable adult” and was accompanied by an appropriate adult during interviews. Officers fear he could commit further terrorist acts. Local residents reportedly remain too scared to cooperate with the investigation.
Given the risks, District Judge Alanah McSorley refused bail. Love remains in custody and is due back in court on January 5.
