Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MUM & CHILD BOMB TARGETS
Device left beside car would have caused a deadly fireball Politicians unite to condemn ‘utterly sickening’ terror attack
A Three-year-old girl could have been killed in a deadly fireball intended to murder her police officer mother.
The New IRA planted the bomb near the car of the part-time cop who also works as a civilian for the PSNI.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Mcewan said the toddler was at the house in a rural area of Dungiven, Co Derry, when the device was spotted.
It is understood the child may also have noticed the object.
Mr Mcewan added: “What is really distressing here is that the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car, directly at the point where the victim’s three-year-old daughter sits.
“And we believe this group would have known this, but they’ve shown no regard for this whatsoever.”
The attack was condemned across the political spectrum with First Minister Arlene Foster describing it as a “dreadful murder attempt”. It is believed the device was planted late on Sunday or early on Monday and was discovered hours later.
Mr Mcewan said: “We assessed this was a viable device with explosives attached to a container with flammable liquid.
“This was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it, or anyone close by, or anyone calling to the house, or anyone in the proximity.”
The senior officer added the child’s seat was in the car and the terror group would have been aware of it when the bomb was placed inches away.
He said: “This is a group who are intent on targeting police officers. They have a total disregard for other members of the community and who they hurt or harm in the course of achieving that objective.
“We will be unrelenting in our efforts in bringing these people to justice.
“They know the effect if this device detonated. It would have engulfed the car completely and those in it. It’s time for people to examine their conscience. Is this the sort of group they want to support?
“A group that has shown complete disregard for young people and now we have another callous attack where a mother and a toddler were the potential victims.”
Mr Mcewan revealed “a strong line of inquiry” is the New IRA was to blame for the murder bid at Ballyquin Road.
DISREGARD
He added: “On several occasions before we have seen this group’s utter disregard for those working for local people in our community.
“If we think back to the bomb attack outside the Derry courthouse in 2019, a group of young people narrowly escaping being caught up in the blast.
“And while the rest of the country was pausing to remember, almost to the day two years ago this group of wicked individuals murdered Lyra Mckee in Creggan. It is clear they are still intent on recklessly targeting honest, hard-working members of our community and they have no regard for those they kill or harm in the process.
“I appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of this attack, or indeed anyone involved in violent terrorist activity, to come forward and provide that information to police.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned those responsible for planting the device.
She said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the officer, her family and her colleagues.
“This was a despicable and cowardly act against the mother of a three-year-old child which could have had devastating consequences for both her and her daughter.
“It was an attack on an officer who serves the entire community, an attack on someone who works to make this a safer place for all of us.
“To deliberately target someone in this way is not only callous, it is completely
The terrorists placed the bomb directly where the victim’s three-year-old daughter sits ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE MARK MCEWAN YESTERDAY
I do give thanks she has survived this murder attempt ARLENE FOSTER YESTERDAY
reckless. When a device explodes it does not discriminate.
“It does not pick and choose who it injures or who it kills.
“The people who sneaked around in the dark to plant this device have shown an utter disregard for human life, not only for this officer but for others living in the area or who may have been passing by.
“The people behind this have nothing to offer anyone living here.
“Their actions go against the democratic principles the vast majority of people in this society support.
“Those who set out to kill and maim must be brought to justice and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to contact PSNI or Crimestoppers.”
Shadow Secretary of State Louise Haigh described the attempted murder as “utterly sickening”.
She added: “All my thoughts are with the officer affected and her family.
“Those who want to drag Northern Ireland back to the past have no support and this reprehensible act has no place in today’s Northern Ireland.
“Communities want to live in peace, free from fear and violence. That is the only way forward.”
Chief Constable Simon Byrne tweeted: “I strongly condemn this outrageous attack on our officer and her family.
“Every day PSNI officers and staff bravely step up to serve the community and this attempt to harm is a stark reminder of the challenges still facing us all.”
Police Federation chair Mark Lindsay said it is “appalling the officer was singled out in this manner”.
He added: “Her dedication to serving the community is in stark contrast to those involved in this attack, whose only purpose is to wreck lives.” First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster blamed dissident republicans for the attack.
She said: “I stand, as does my entire party, with the brave woman targeted by republicans and utterly condemn those who have sought to harm her and her family.
“I do give thanks that she has survived this dreadful murder attempt.
“When I spoke to this lady earlier, I gave her my prayerful support and indeed solidarity at this difficult time.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill also condemned the bomb attack.
The Sinn Fein deputy leader added: “The attempted murder of a police officer near Dungiven is reprehensible. Those involved in this attack will not succeed in their regressive and toxic agenda.
“All politicians must unite against these reckless actions.
“We must keep building the peace for our children.”
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney tweeted: “I completely condemn this despicable attack on a police officer near Dungiven.
“Our thoughts. solidarity and support go to her, her family and her PSNI colleagues.
“Anyone with information should assist with the PSNI investigation.”
Irish premier Micheal Martin also slammed those responsible.
The Taoiseach tweeted: “Deeply reprehensible and cowardly attack on the home of a police officer in Northern Ireland last night.
“Politicians across this island must work together to avoid a return to the dark days of fear and terror.”