Irish Republican News · November 5, 2009

PSNI base attacked

Republican youths attacked a PSNI station in south Armagh at the weekend.

Dozens of petrol bombs and paint containers were thrown, along with a barrage of other missiles including bricks and stones, at the base in the border town of Crossmaglen.

Details of the incident, involving up to 50 people, were only confirmed by the PSNI late this week. The PSNI has consistently sought to play down the extent of local opposition to the force in the border areas.

Republican sources described the attack as “an act of resistance” and said a “media blackout” was being operated by the PSNI regarding such incidents.

Ulster Unionist Assembly member Danny Kennedy criticised how the PSNI reported the attack, saying there would be “serious suspicions” about why the “major public disturbance” was not reported within hours.

“Are they trying to save republicans from embarrassment here? Whatever the reasons, we need clarity to ensure public confidence in the police force,” said Mr Kennedy.

In a statement released last night, the PSNI defended their decision not to proactively report the attack to the media, saying the force has “a responsibility to release information where appropriate”.

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