Bomb Rocks Police Patrol in Strabane – Three Men Held
A bomb exploded beside a police vehicle in Strabane late Thursday, sparking a major security alert and leaving officers shaken but unharmed.
Blast Hits Police in Mount Carmel Heights
The bomb went off just before 11pm while officers were on a routine patrol in Mount Carmel Heights. The blast blew out windows and caused “blast damage” to the police car, but thankfully the two officers escaped injury.
Three Suspects Arrested Under Terrorism Act
Following extensive searches on Friday night, detectives arrested three men aged 28 and 36. The men are now being held under the Terrorism Act. Police say a key line of inquiry points to the dissident republican group New IRA as the culprits behind the attack.
Major Disruption to Local Community
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton revealed the blast triggered a wide security operation, affecting over 1,000 residents. Some local pupils were even prevented from attending school as a result of the heightened alert.
During follow-up raids, officers also discovered what appears to be a command wire used to detonate the improvised explosive device, confirming the attack’s sophistication.
“The officers were conducting routine patrols due to ongoing antisocial behaviour and were shaken when they saw a flash and heard a loud bang. They left immediately and found their vehicle damaged upon return,” said Mr Singleton.
Political Leaders Unite in Condemnation
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, expressed relief no-one was hurt. “I condemn those responsible and stand firmly with the officers involved,” he tweeted.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne called the attack “senseless,” while Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill dubbed it “reprehensible and reckless.” DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson slammed the bombers as “callous” and “cowardly,” accusing them of bringing “nothing but hurt and disruption” to their own communities.
