A harrowing car bomb explosion rocked the Dunmurry police station near Belfast late Saturday night, forcing the urgent evacuation of residents—including two infants—just moments before the device detonated. Authorities swiftly responded to the hijacking and attack, which police suspect was orchestrated by the New IRA.
Hijacked Vehicle Used in Deadly Attack Attempt
PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton revealed that a delivery driver’s vehicle was forcibly taken in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast. A gas cylinder bomb was concealed in the car’s boot before the driver was coerced to transport it to Dunmurry police station.
Upon arrival, the vehicle was abandoned directly outside the station’s entrance. Courageous officers immediately rushed to evacuate nearby homes, placing themselves directly in harm’s way. During this critical window, several residents—including two babies—were moved to safety.
Seconds later, the bomb exploded, engulfing the car in flames and scattering dangerous debris across the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Attack Echoes Previous Incident in Lurgan
Deputy Chief Constable Singleton noted striking similarities between this attack and a March bombing attempt at Lurgan Police Station. Both incidents involved hijacked vehicles rigged with improvised explosive devices and targeted police facilities.
The ongoing investigation is now under the jurisdiction of counter-terrorism units, with early assessments pointing to the New IRA as the perpetrators behind this cowardly assault.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the bombing, pledging that those responsible will face justice. On social media platform X, he expressed solidarity with the affected community and praised the bravery of PSNI officers who risk their lives every day.
Brendan Mullan, chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, described the device as one “sent to kill officers and cause maximum harm,” underscoring the lethal intent behind the attack.
Michelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Sinn Féin leader, condemned the perpetrators, stressing they “speak for absolutely no one” and emphasizing the community’s right to peace and stability.
Gavin Robinson, leader of the DUP, echoed concerns over the attack’s intent to intimidate communities and police, demanding the full force of the law be applied against dissident republicans.
UK Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn labeled the bombing a “shameless and cowardly attack,” expressing his appall at the violence.
Context: The Threat of Dissident Republican Groups
The New IRA represents a faction of dissident republicans actively opposing peace efforts in Northern Ireland. Emerging from splinter groups rejecting ceasefires, they are considered the most prominent dissident paramilitary group currently operating in the region.
This faction is linked historically to violent acts such as the 1998 Omagh bombing carried out by the Real IRA, a group that opposed the 1997 Provisional IRA ceasefire.
Just last month, a similar attack attempt involved a crude but viable explosive device delivered by a hijacked vehicle to Lurgan police station, further highlighting the ongoing threat posed by these groups.
