Irish Republican News · July 18, 2007

PSNI station bombed

Republican hardliners have been linked to a bomb attack on a PSNI police station in Strabane, County Tyrone.

The grenade-type device launched against the base exploded in mid-air, showering the PSNI base and a nearby home with shrapnel.

Sinn Féin condemned the attacks and called on the group responsible to end its campaign. West Tyrone has seen a spate of attacks linked to traditionalist republican groups.

A further warning was reported to the PSNI of a second device on the road last week between Mallymagorry and Magheramason near Strabane, but the PSNI said the warning was too vague.

Sinn Féin councillor Brian McMahon said there was no appetite in the community for any sort of attack and the group behind the attack should “wake up to that”.

“There’s no support in the community for this grouping and they should stop right away. I would call on those who carried out this attack last night to take a sharp reality check and heed the will of the republican and nationalist community by immediately ceasing your activities.” he said.

In condemning the attack, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness compared the perpetrators to Japanese soldiers continuing to fight the Americans after their nation’s defeat in the Second World War.

ORANGE HALLS ATTACKED

Meanwhile, there have been a spate of arson attacks on Orange halls and other buildings used by the marching organisations amid tensions in some areas over the ‘Twelfth’ marches.

The latest came in Moy, County Tyrone, where an Apprentice Boys’ hall received minor smoke and fire damage.

The incident comes after attacks on Orange halls in Rasharkin, County Antrim and Claudy, County Derry earlier in the week.

Ian Paisley said he had discussed the attacks with the British government.

“I am extremely concerned at the pattern of attacks on Orange halls that is again very much in evidence,” he said.

“Those elements who are determined to attack our culture and heritage must be caught and made accountable for their actions.”

Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy said that there can be no justification for attacks on Orange Halls, and he has called for them to end.

“Attacks on people because of their religion or attacks on property because of their religion are wrong and should stop.”

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