Derry authorities have said that the bomb, discovered under a car at the family home of a Catholic police officer, had been lit.
Currently the chief suspects in this attack, which is seen as the attempted murder of parents of a police officer, is the Real IRA. The bomb was discovered on Sunday night in a nationalist housing estate in Derry.
Superintendent Chris Yates told the Evening Standard, “The device had been initiated; it had the fuse lit on it but it failed to fully explode. We are treating it as a terrorist investigation and as attempted murder because anyone next to this when it exploded would have been seriously injured and possibly killed."
This is the second time this elderly couple has been targeted, however, they intend on staying in their home.
Yates said the police officer in question is showing great resolve. He said, “He has no intention of changing his chosen profession."
Early this month, on 9th April, the Real IRA had pledged to maintain their campaign of violent attacks on police and other authorities in Northern Ireland.
Yates said, “This is the equivalent of a military hand grenade."
He said the authorities would leave no stone unturned and appealed to the public for information.
The couple who were attacked, at Drumleck Drive, Shantallow, are pensioners. In 2009 their home was attacked using a similar device.
Dissident republicans have a history of targeting the police. Last April, new constable Ronan Kerr was killed when a device exploded under his car in Omagh, County Tyrone.
Derry has been named the UK Capital of Culture for 2013. Last October the office which was established to organize these cultural events was targeted.
The threat level in the area remains at high levels, according to minister and senior police.
Local politicians have condemned the attack.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan told the Derry Journal that the attack “was carried out with malice and all the worst possible fallout with calculation and forethought from those involved.”
Tony Hassan, a Sinn Fein councilor said, “I call on those responsible to explain to our community just exactly what they hope to achieve by these futile actions. Your total and callous disregard for the community you are a part of defies logic.”
Monsignor Eamon Martin, Diocesan Administrator, said, “The bomb placed outside the home of relatives of a PSNI officer demonstrates a reckless disregard for the sanctity of human life. The bomb endangered the lives of people living in the house and many in the surrounding area.
“I reiterate the right of men and women to choose to build up our community through serving as police officers. Those who are engaged in serving and protecting the public are themselves deserving of the support of the community.”
9 Comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.nosoupforU | Apr 21, 2012, 03:29 PM EDT
Screw all of you and your mindless drivel about Republicanism and Nationalasim and all the other Isims. These cowards tried to kill an innocent old couple. Up against the wall I say.
DanOLoingsigh | Apr 19, 2012, 07:09 PM EDT
@clevelander - if you can't respect the wishes of the majority on the island, then you are no republican...Gerry and Co at least had the good sense to recognise they were up a blind alley...it may take longer for others to see this...but true democrats will no longer permit a minority to decide their future...no matter how these anti-democartic zealots try to manipulate events...they will be left where they belong...in the past
clevelander | Apr 19, 2012, 06:35 PM EDT
@danoloingsigh "a rump"? It amazes me how gerry and his gang have hijacked Republicanism and changed it to fit there personal and idealistic ways( he should have stayed with the stickys as his is a Official in the former PROVO clothing) . Please do not refer to these men or the quislings who follow them as true Republicans. They are not and they know it.
DanOLoingsigh | Apr 19, 2012, 09:44 AM EDT
clevelander - I agree that there will always be a 'rump' of so-called republicans, who believe they, and they alone, know what's best - BUT true republicans will respect the democratic wishes of the majority of citizens of the Republic...to stand against the democratic will of the majority is the true insanity...but who said dinosaurs were ever very smart?
clevelander | Apr 18, 2012, 07:07 PM EDT
Does anyone really think that as long and london has any say in Ireland that the true Republicans will give up the fight for a free and united Ireland. It is insanity to think anything different. No matter what I or any one else thinks this is what will happen.
citizen69 | Apr 18, 2012, 11:33 AM EDT
@irelandNorth: Any kind of Truth and Reconciliation Commission isn't going to make one bit of difference to these people. That's not what they want.
IrelandNorth | Apr 18, 2012, 06:50 AM EDT
Violence is the language of the unheard! As a Leinster Unionist (i.e. a United Irelander), what we need in Ireland right now is a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), not predictable kneejerkery as below. Criminalising and/or pathologising independence struggles ensures continued conflict. To understand all is to forgive. Tiocfaidh-ar-la! (pron. Chuckie-or-law)/Our-day-will-come!) Catholicism and Protestantis have failed miserably in Ireland. We need some real Christianity for a change.
aloistmartin | Apr 17, 2012, 07:46 PM EDT
The Big Fat Hamsters in Dublin are so Eager to Play the Blame Game Card on the I.R.A. A Hardy Breakfast and a Pint of Stout in the name of Republican Socialism !
SeanO | Apr 17, 2012, 07:02 PM EDT
This is LUNACY, the logic of it defies reason, anyone caught or supporting the Dissident IRA should be sent to a mental hospital for evaluation and if necessary to protect the public at large be commitated to the Lunatic Asylum for life. Northern Ireland Lawmakers, you have some work to do, get started.