Mortar Tube Discovery Foils Dissident Attack On Police

The PSNI has said the discovery of a mortar tube and command wire in Castlewellan yesterday has prevented an attack by dissident republicans.

The items were discovered by a member of the public on the Drumnaquoile Road on Monday afternoon, 08 April.

An extensive clearance operation was carried out. The mortar tube and command wire will now be subject to detailed forensic tests, but are believed to be in relatively good condition.

Detective Inspector Orr did not attribute ownership to any particular group, but said his belief is that dissident republican terrorists are responsible for the attempted attack on police.

He continued: "We know that the vast majority of people support our police officers and simply want to live in a peaceful society. We will continue to work with communities to disrupt the activities of the small group of people who are intent on using violence.

"I am appealing for local people to help us identify those responsible for leaving this device so close to a public road and to come forward with any information they may have.

"If you know anything that could help us, please call 101, quoting reference 721 09/04/19."

A spokesperson for the Police Federation branded the incident as another "disgusting" attempt to kill PSNI colleagues by "terrorists with no mandate".



(JG/CM)