Lucky Escape In Latest NI Bomb Bid

The intended target for what is thought to be the third attempted car bomb attack on security-related personnel in the past seven days is today lucky to be alive.

A device was found in the Sweep Road area of Cookstown this morning with the road being closed near the local Glenavon Hotel.

A controlled explosion has been used to deal with the device after the alert began at about 8am on Tuesday. About 100 residents have been moved from their Glenavon Gardens homes and a nursery and supermarket have been evacuated and a local leisure centre opened for those affected.

Commenting, the Mid-Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong has expressed his contempt for the people responsible for planting a booby-trap car bomb.

The Ulster Unionist said: "This latest attempt by so-called dissident republicans to commit murder must be condemned by everyone in our society.

"They must not be given support by anyone, no matter what their aspirations for the future of Northern Ireland.

"The local people have to be the eyes and the ears of the community and report any suspicious activity to the police so that these dissident republican terrorists feel totally uncomfortable, alienated and have no support whatsoever; they will realise that their actions are in vain," he said.

He also joined others in expressing relief that no one was hurt: "I am relieved that this attack failed to cause death or serious injury, but coming so soon after similar incidents in Bangor and (near) Newcastle, it forms part of a worrying pattern."

Sinn Fein MLA Francie Molloy said the man, who is thought to be a civilian working at the Cookstown PSNI station, had a "lucky escape".

Noting that the device only partially exploded, he said: "This man has the right to work anywhere he wishes and should not come under any threat in doing so.

"The groupings behind this, and other attacks earlier in the week, need to come forward and tell the people how this will advance the goal of achieving a united Ireland?" he asked.

NI Policing Board Acting Chairman Brian Rea has also condemned the under-car bomb attack in Cookstown this morning .

"Not only could this have killed or injured the driver of the car but it could have caused serious injury to any passer by or children at a nearby creche.

"Those responsible have no concern for our community and anyone with information should bring it to the attention of the police," he said.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have also described this mornings incident in Cookstown as "a senseless and cowardly attack".

Last Wednesday, a device fell from the car of an Army major in Bangor and on Saturday, a Catholic police officer was targeted in Kilkeel, Co Down.

(BMcC/KMcA)