Republican News · Thursday 15 August 2002

Bandsmen attack homes and SDLP councillor in Strabane

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian McMahon says that people and property in Melmount Villas in the town had a lucky escape during a missile onslaught by loyalist bandsmen on Saturday, 10 August, while the RUC/PSNI stood by.

"The attack occurred as buses returned from the Apprentice Boys Parade in Derry," said McMahon. "One bus carrying loyalist bandsmen, many of whom were heavily intoxicated, stopped just after the traffic lights at the Bridge Street/Melmount Road junction.

"Given the fact that the area was saturated with RUC/PSNI members and British soldiers at the time, it seems incredible that the loyalist bandsmen were able to stop the Ulsterbus at a busy junction, alight, abuse local people, fire missiles at people and their property and reboard the bus unchecked.

"The bandsmen also kicked out a window at Melmount Villas and tried to throw beer cans at people, property and cars there. Thankfully, no one was hurt or property damaged.

SDLP Councillor Ann Bell was caught up in the attack. She said her car was attacked as she sat in traffic lights on the Melmount Road at around 4.30pm. The loyalist bandsmen opened the emergency exit of their bus, which was in front of her car, and started throwing bottles at her.

"They didn't care what vehicles they hit and I am furious at the reactions of the RUC/PSNI officer, who with British Army personnel, stood idly by and did not stop them or radio for help," Bell complained.

She reported that about 12 loyalists then emerged from the bus and continued to throw bottles at her and an elderly resident as she stood at Melmount Villas.

Bell says that the RUC/PSNI did nothing to stop the loyalists and that she had to drive back along the road to warn other motorists not to go down past the bus.

"One also has to question why the RUC/PSNI did not release a press release to the media about these incidents," said Brian McMahon.