Man due in court over IRA bomb found in Strabane

By Q Radio News

A man is due in court this morning in connection with a new IRA mortar bomb found in Strabane earlier this year.

The device was found close to a PSNI station in the Church View area of the town on Saturday 7th September. 

The 28-year-old suspect was detained in Strabane on Wednesday under the Terrorism Act and a number of searches were carried out in the area. 

He is charged with a number of offences including perverting the course of justice, assisting offenders and recording information likely to be of use to terrorists. 

The man is expected to appear before Londonderry Magistrates' Court. 

Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit investigating the discovery of a mortar device in Church View, Strabane on Saturday 7 September charge 28 year old man. pic.twitter.com/1UR2shOBHP

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 28, 2019

Following the man's arrest earlier this week, Detective Inspector Andrew Hamlin from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit said, “Whilst the device was aimed at the nearby police station and was undoubtedly designed to injure or murder police officers who work to keep local people safe, it was recklessly left in a public area, just metres away from a number of family homes.  

“The New IRA were behind the attack and they demonstrated once again that they do not care who is hurt or killed by their violent actions.

"A number of small children were in close proximity to the deadly device and it is disgraceful that their lives were put at risk.  

"A number of older and vulnerable people were also forced to leave the comfort and safety of their own homes.

“I believe that the New IRA members behind this attack are living in the community, amongst the people whose lives they put at risk.

"Our focus is on keeping the community safe and protecting them from the threat posed by these violent groups but we need the help of the public.

Our chances of success are vastly improved by support and information from community as today’s search and arrest operation demonstrates.

"I would strongly urge people to report any suspicions they have about dangerous and illegal activity in our community to police on 101 or alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.”