BLOODY FRIDAY
1972 YEAR IN CRIMES
On 21 July 1972, at least 20 bombs were detonated in Belfast in 80 minutes. Nine people died and 130 more were severely injured. The day would become known as Bloody Friday and was one of the most prolific attacks during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Though no arrests were made, the Provisional IRA issued a statement of apology in July 2002, on the 30th anniversary of the attack.
It said, ‘While it was not our intention to injure or kill noncombatants, the reality is that, on this occasion, that was the consequence of our actions.’