NORTHERN Ireland’s Justice Minister has visited a police station which was the target of an attack earlier this week.
Minister Naomi Long paid tribute to PSNI officers working at Lurgan Police Station, which was targeted on Monday night (March 30), when a delivery driver was hijacked by masked men and forced to drive a viable device into the station in Armagh.
Once he had escaped the car, the driver alerted security staff at the station that there was a bomb in the car, which was later declared “crude but viable”.
“What happened in Lurgan on Monday night is abhorrent and shows a complete disregard for the wellbeing and safety of everyone who lives in the town,” Minister Long said.
“Over the years, we have seen how lives have been lost in similar incidents.
“Had the device used in this incident exploded prematurely, it would have resulted in similar devastation.
“My thoughts are with the delivery driver who was caught up in what must have been an absolutely horrific experience.
Justice Minister Naomi Long visited Lurgan Police Station yesterday afternoon“I hope he is able to come to terms with the trauma he has suffered.”
The Minister added: “Targeting people who are simply going about their business shows the mindset of the people behind this attack. They offer nothing to society.
“However, this has undoubtedly been a stark reminder that there are still those who want Northern Ireland to live under the shadow of terror and violence.
“It has also brought to the forefront the fact that police officers continue to face a threat to their lives simply for doing their job.
“The officers who dealt with this incident did so in a professional and swift manner, putting themselves at risk, as they so often do, to ensure the safety of the public.
“I know they will not be deterred from continuing to keep the people of Lurgan safe and I would like to pay tribute to their ongoing dedication, professionalism and contribution to society.”
During her visit to the police station, the Minister met with Superintendent Brendan Green, District Commander for the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing District, and South Area Commander Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett.
“There is no doubt that those responsible for placing the device in an innocent’s man’s car and forcing him to drive it to the police station do not represent the residents of Lurgan, nor do their actions have the support of local people,” Superintendent Green said.
“They offer nothing to our community beyond the disruption and distress caused by their pathetic attempt to achieve some kind of relevance,” he added.
“We have been heartened by the widespread and unequivocal condemnation of the perpetrators, and the vocal support we have received from across our community, as well as from civic and political representatives.
“We were glad to welcome the Justice Minister to Lurgan today and share with her our pride and gratitude for the commitment of our officers and staff who work tirelessly everyday, despite the inherent threat and risk they face, to keep local people safe.”
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