PSNI base struck by gunfire

The PSNI police base at Bessbrook in south Armagh came under fire on Sunday evening.

A car pulled up outside the station and opened fire with a high velocity weapon. No-one was injured, although some damage was caused to the base’s exterior armour.

It is the second PSNI base in the area to come under attack in recent weeks -- the station in Crossmaglen has been attacked twice in recent weeks.

‘Dissident’ republicans are being blamed for those attacks.

Sinn Fein MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy said the shooting was “an attempt by a tiny group with no support in this area to make themselves relevant at the expense of the local community.”

“Those responsible want to see the British Army back in south Armagh. Our community does not want this. This group will not succeed in dragging us back to the dark days,” he said.

SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley said the attack was “designed to drive a wedge between our policing service and the community they serve. But it will not work.”

“People of all political opinions and none want law and order, want a properly run society, want accountable policing to deal with major crime and minor crime and anti-social behaviour.

“These groups speak for no one and will be dealt with as criminals by people providing information to their trusted policing service.”

The Alliance party said the incident was a “despicable attack” and an “evil act”.

Urgent Appeal