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29/08/2001
Attempted bombings in Ballycastle widely condemned
Several bombing attempts in Ballycastle have drawn widespread condemnation.
On Wednesday August 29 a suspect device was discovered at the town’s Marine Hotel, and earlier in the day a device was dealt with outside licensed premises in the Diamond.
A car bomb parked in Castle Street on Tuesday August 28 caused chaos as the Country Antrim seaside town was packed with thousands of visitors and tourists attending the annual Auld Lammas Fair.
The incendiary device was discovered by a police officer on foot patrol who noticed a smell of fuel around a white Ford Sierra car parked in Castle Street.
As police were attempting to clear the crowd attending the second day of the Fair from the area around the car, a telephone call was received warning that a bomb had been left in Ballycastle.
Army bomb disposal experts defused a device consisting of a timer, detonators and two containers filed with flammable liquid.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used in the past by the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, claimed responsibility for the attempted car bomb.
The Auld Lammas Fair is one of the province’s most popular tourist attractions regularly drawing thousands of visitors to the seaside town.
RUC Superintendent John Bustard said that the attack had been executed by “ruthless individuals”.
Dr Sean Farren, the SDLP Assembly member for North Antrim, said it was hard to adequately express the contempt he felt for those who have carried out the attempted bombing.
“The Auld Lammas Fair is one of the main events in the North’s summer calendar, an event which is as innocent as it is well attended,” he said.
“There were literally thousands of people in the vicinity of this device - what would the loss of more innocent life have achieved? Those who carry out and support this kind of action are worthy of our utter contempt.”
DUP Assembly member for North Antrim Ian Paisley Jnr said that the bomb could have caused devastation and he was “absolutely appalled that anyone would have attempted to bomb a holiday town whenever it is at the height of attracting tourists to the locality”.
“If the device had detonated it would have made the Omagh atrocity look like a minor incident.” (SP)
On Wednesday August 29 a suspect device was discovered at the town’s Marine Hotel, and earlier in the day a device was dealt with outside licensed premises in the Diamond.
A car bomb parked in Castle Street on Tuesday August 28 caused chaos as the Country Antrim seaside town was packed with thousands of visitors and tourists attending the annual Auld Lammas Fair.
The incendiary device was discovered by a police officer on foot patrol who noticed a smell of fuel around a white Ford Sierra car parked in Castle Street.
As police were attempting to clear the crowd attending the second day of the Fair from the area around the car, a telephone call was received warning that a bomb had been left in Ballycastle.
Army bomb disposal experts defused a device consisting of a timer, detonators and two containers filed with flammable liquid.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used in the past by the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, claimed responsibility for the attempted car bomb.
The Auld Lammas Fair is one of the province’s most popular tourist attractions regularly drawing thousands of visitors to the seaside town.
RUC Superintendent John Bustard said that the attack had been executed by “ruthless individuals”.
Dr Sean Farren, the SDLP Assembly member for North Antrim, said it was hard to adequately express the contempt he felt for those who have carried out the attempted bombing.
“The Auld Lammas Fair is one of the main events in the North’s summer calendar, an event which is as innocent as it is well attended,” he said.
“There were literally thousands of people in the vicinity of this device - what would the loss of more innocent life have achieved? Those who carry out and support this kind of action are worthy of our utter contempt.”
DUP Assembly member for North Antrim Ian Paisley Jnr said that the bomb could have caused devastation and he was “absolutely appalled that anyone would have attempted to bomb a holiday town whenever it is at the height of attracting tourists to the locality”.
“If the device had detonated it would have made the Omagh atrocity look like a minor incident.” (SP)
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28 August 2001
Bomb alert causes chaos at Ballycastle Fair
A bomb with a timing unit, detonator and two cylinders of flammable liquid has been defused by Army Technical Officers in Ballycastle. The bomb had been abandoned in a white Ford Sierra in Castle Street. The car is believed to have been left at the scene in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The Castle Street area has now been re-opened.
Bomb alert causes chaos at Ballycastle Fair
A bomb with a timing unit, detonator and two cylinders of flammable liquid has been defused by Army Technical Officers in Ballycastle. The bomb had been abandoned in a white Ford Sierra in Castle Street. The car is believed to have been left at the scene in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The Castle Street area has now been re-opened.
22 July 2002
Man charged with causing mainland explosions
A 19-year-old man has been charged with plotting to cause explosions following an investigation into a suspected Real IRA bombing campaign. John Paul Gerard Hannan was been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey today. He is charged with plotting to cause an explosion and possessing weapons.
Man charged with causing mainland explosions
A 19-year-old man has been charged with plotting to cause explosions following an investigation into a suspected Real IRA bombing campaign. John Paul Gerard Hannan was been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey today. He is charged with plotting to cause an explosion and possessing weapons.
10 August 2017
Relatives Of Omagh Bombing Victims To Sue PSNI Chief
Relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing victims are to sue the Chief Constable of the PSNI over failings in the police investigation. Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
Relatives Of Omagh Bombing Victims To Sue PSNI Chief
Relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing victims are to sue the Chief Constable of the PSNI over failings in the police investigation. Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
09 April 2003
Real IRA gang sentenced to 100 years in jail
Five men have been jailed for a total of 100 years for planning and subsequently launching a Real IRA bombing campaign in England.
Real IRA gang sentenced to 100 years in jail
Five men have been jailed for a total of 100 years for planning and subsequently launching a Real IRA bombing campaign in England.
30 August 2001
Man questioned in connection with Lammas Fair bomb
Northern Ireland police have arrested a man for questioning about serious crime in the Ballycastle area. It is understood that the man is being question about the incendiary bomb attempt in Ballycastle on Tuesday August 29.
Man questioned in connection with Lammas Fair bomb
Northern Ireland police have arrested a man for questioning about serious crime in the Ballycastle area. It is understood that the man is being question about the incendiary bomb attempt in Ballycastle on Tuesday August 29.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
