Police probing new IRA bomb plot against PSNI officer launch online portal

By Q Radio News

Police have launched an online portal making it easier for people to share information about a ‘New IRA’ murder bid on a female officer. 

Anyone who knows anything about the “fireball bomb” that was left beside the target’s car at her home in Dungiven on Monday can now send photographs or upload video or dash-cam footage.

Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit are relying on the local community to help catch those who tried to kill the mother and her three-year-old daughter.  

Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said the investigation into the incident which happened on Ballyquin Road is at an early stage.

“The device, which had explosives attached to a container with flammable liquid, was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or anyone close by, or those calling to the house.

“What is really distressing is the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car directly at the point where the victim’s three year old  daughter sits. 

“It demonstrates the complete and utter disregard those who planted it had for the life of a mother and her very young daughter. 

“This was a cowardly and despicable act carried out by desperate people. They deserve no support from any part of our community.”

DS Campbell said detectives are keeping an open mind but are aware that a claim has been made on behalf of the new IRA and which is a strong line of enquiry.

“I appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of this attack, or indeed of anyone involved in dissident republican, or other violent or terrorist, activity to come forward and provide any information they have to the police,” he added.  

“We particularly want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Ballyquin Road, Dungiven between Monday 12th and Monday 19th April 2021.

“Today we have launched the Major Incident Public Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI21Q07-PO1 so that people can tell us what they know, send photographs or upload video or dash-cam footage.”