‘Lucky escape’ for British soldier

Breakaway IRA group Óglaigh na hÉireann says it was behind an attack on a British soldier in north Belfast on Thursday.

A bomb which was planted inside the soldier’s vehicle failed to detonate.

British Army bomb experts destroyed the device in a controlled explosion following a security operation in the Black Dam Court area off the Ligoneil Road on Thursday.

A statement issued to journalists in Belfast suggest the soldier was fortunate to escape.

“Belfast Brigade Óglaigh na hÉireann claim responsibility for the bomb attack on a serving British Soldier in Ligoneil”, the statement reads.

“Our Volunteers got inside the car and placed the explosive device under the seat with a trap wire running to the seat buckle,” the statement added.

The incident is the first direct attack on British Army personnel for over a year. The security operation ended on Thursday evening.

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly said he condemned the attack.

“This attack was reckless and those who behind need to bear the responsibility of endangering the people of North Belfast,” he said.

“It is my understanding that this car travelled around north Belfast, and was in Ligoniel before this bomb was discovered. It has left this community vulnerable to injury or worse had the bomb gone off.

“Those behind it need to realise that there is no support for this and the community rejects the groups behind such attacks. Their actions are outdated and will serve no furthering of any political agenda or otherwise. The people of Ireland had overwhelming endorsed the peace process and it is high time such groups caught up with this.”

Urgent Appeal