Car Bomb Attack at Police Station Treated as Attempted Murder

A murder attempt is being investigated following a car bomb at a police station. On Saturday evening, shortly after 22:50 BST, a delivery vehicle was taken over, loaded with an explosive device, and driven to Dunmurry station. As officers evacuated residents, including two infants, from their homes, the bomb detonated.

PSNI Officials Highlight Similarities to Previous Attack

Authorities suspect the New IRA, a dissident republican faction, may have orchestrated the attack. The device exploded when the car was parked outside Dunmurry police station, a location on Belfast’s outskirts. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton stated no casualties were reported due to officers’ quick response. “Our early working hypothesis is that this may well be the work of the New IRA who claimed responsibility for the attack in Lurgan,” he said, adding that “investigators will keep an open mind” as the case remains in its initial phase.

“Our thoughts today are with all those affected by this cowardly attack and the delivery driver for whom this will have been an extremely traumatic experience,” Singleton remarked.

Community Disruption and Concerns for Safety

The explosion occurred in a densely populated residential area, with many elderly individuals nearby. Some residents remained in their homes overnight. A local woman shared that her mother was deeply distressed by the sudden blast, while a carer reported being unable to reach a client within the restricted zone.

“This was not just an attack aimed at our incredible and hard-working police officers and staff. These mindless idiots wantonly risked the lives of local residents including very young children,” said Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.

Political Reactions to the Incident

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has denounced the incident, expressing solidarity with the local community and PSNI personnel. “My thoughts are with the local community, and with the PSNI officers who work every day to keep people safe. I urge anyone with information to come forward,” he posted on X.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the perpetrators as “visionless, unsupported, and offering nothing to our society,” emphasizing that “our communities deserve peace.” Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly condemned the attack as a “disturbing echo of the past,” stating it “has no place in a society committed to peace.”

Policing Board Chair Expresses Frustration Over Recent Attacks

Brendan Mullan, Chair of the Policing Board, noted that the attack “was in the heart of a residential area” and aimed to “kill officers and cause maximum harm.” He called the incident “depressing,” as it marks the second police station bombing in recent weeks. “The people have spoken when they overwhelmingly endorsed the Good Friday Agreement,” Mullan said, urging unity against those responsible for the violence.

“Such acts of violence have no place in a society committed to peace. We stand united in condemnation of those responsible for this terror,” he added.

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, representing Sinn Féin, criticized the attackers, claiming they “represent no one, are void of support, and have nothing to offer our society.” He urged them to “get off the backs of our communities who want to live in peace and continue moving forward to a better future.”