Police investigate Newtownhamilton explosion
11 Jul 2010
An investigation into an explosion in the Carrickrovaddy Road area of Newtownhamilton is continuing.
Shortly before 5.30pm on Saturday 10 July police received reports of an explosion. Significant damage was caused to a country road and a bridge after a device exploded. No one was injured in the incident.
As a result of the damage caused, it is anticipated that the surrounding roads will remain closed for sometime. We would ask people to avoid the area if possible for the time being.
District Commander Chief Superintendent Alisdair Robinson said that there was a strong possibility that this explosion was an attempt to lure officers into the area.
Chief Superintendent Robinson said: “This explosion occurred in a small, isolated country road. Thankfully no one was injured. However, this was a totally reckless act that could have easily led to loss of life if anyone had been driving past at the time.
“However, I believe at this stage – the real target was my officers. This was an attempt to lure police into the area to injure or kill them.
“At this stage we do not believe this incident poses any further risk to members of the public, but it does pose a significant risk to my officers. That is why we are treating this incident with extreme caution.
“I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything in our power to keep them safe and to investigate the incident.
“The reality is there are people out there who have a callous disregard for the lives of both local members of the community and my officers. They took the decision to plant this device knowing only too well the potential deadly consequences.
“We are treating this explosion extremely seriously. Within minutes of the incident being reported to police, we made arrangements for the road to be closed, set up an incident room and commenced a major investigation.
“We are continuing our investigation and would ask for anyone with information to contact police on 0800 600 8000 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111," he said.
