'Heroes' Of Bessbrook Shot-down

The SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has condemned those responsible for firing shots at Bessbrook PSNI station on Sunday evening.

He said: "Like the shooting at Crossmaglen last week this looks like a bit of low-risk action by the would-be heroes of dissident republicanism designed to drive a wedge between our policing service and the community they serve. But it will not work.

"People of all political opinions and none want law and order, want a properly run society, want accountable policing to deal with major crime and minor crime and anti-social behaviour.

"These groups speak for no one and will be dealt with as criminals by people providing information to their trusted policing service."

The police said that a car pulled up outside the station in Bessbrook village on Sunday evening at about 9pm and the occupants opened fire. No-one was injured.

The police station in Crossmaglen has been attacked twice in recent weeks. Dissident republicans are being blamed for those attacks.

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy said: "Presumably, it will be blamed on dissident republicans.

"There has to be major concern that high velocity weaponry is available to these individuals. I condemn this act of wanton intent and murder."

See: Crossmaglen Police Under Attack

(BMcC/GK)