New IRA Car Bomb Explodes at Dunmurry Police Station, PSNI Boosts Patrols
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is implementing heightened security measures, including increased vehicle checkpoints and patrolling officers, following a car bomb attack on its Dunmurry station. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck confirmed concerns regarding threats from dissident groups across Northern Ireland.
The New IRA, a dissident republican organisation, has claimed responsibility for the 25 May incident via a statement to the Irish News. They asserted the bombing was an attempt to assassinate police officers as they exited the building.
The attack involved a delivery driver whose vehicle was hijacked at gunpoint in Twinbrook, west Belfast, shortly after 22:50 BST on Saturday. The vehicle was then fitted with a gas cylinder device, and the driver was forced to transport it to the Dunmurry station. The device detonated as officers were evacuating local residents, including families with infants, from nearby homes in the built-up area.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the attack as "deliberate, reckless and stupid," praising the bravery of officers who "rushed towards danger." He urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI "before these people actually harm or kill somebody." The PSNI is treating the incident as attempted murder.
Dissident republican groups, including the New IRA and Continuity IRA, reject the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. These factions, though smaller than the Provisional IRA, retain access to high-calibre weapons and explosive devices.
