Menu
01/08/2002
Man dies after explosion at TA base
The secretary of state has condemned the murder of a 51-year-old civilian building contractor who died in an explosion at a Territorial Army base in County Londonderry this morning.
At around 7.20am, the man picked up an object which was lying inside Caw Camp on the Limavady Road. The object exploded and although he was immediately rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.
In a statement, the secretary of state described the incident as an "utterly contemptible" murder.
Dr Reid said: “It is tragic that another family has been plunged into despair and grief as a result of a savage and cowardly attack.
“Those who murdered this man are determined to bring down the peace process and the Belfast Agreement. Dissident republican bombers and loyalist murder gangs are two sides of the same coin. None of us in Northern Ireland can afford to let them succeed."
Dr Reid appealed for anyone with information on the attack to contact police.
The Limavady Road TA base is currently home to the 211 Ambulance Squadron of the Royal Logistic Corps (Transport) and detachment 253 North Irish Field Ambulance. The army said that the camp is not used for security operations.
An Army spokesman added that the incident was "an outrage, a despicable cowardly attack on an innocent civilian and should be condemned by all law-abiding people".
This type of attack bears some similarities to two other incidents at bases in Northern Ireland and England.
In February last year, a 14-year-old boy was blinded and lost a hand at a camp used by the Parachute Regiment's TA unit in west London. Stephen Menary was injured after he picked up a military-style torch – containing a small quantity of high explosives – outside the White City camp, setting it off.
Almost exactly one year later a civilian worker was severely injured after an explosion close to the perimeter fence of an army training area at Benone beach in Co Londonderry.
In both instances, dissident republicans were blamed for the explosions.
(GMcG)
At around 7.20am, the man picked up an object which was lying inside Caw Camp on the Limavady Road. The object exploded and although he was immediately rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.
In a statement, the secretary of state described the incident as an "utterly contemptible" murder.
Dr Reid said: “It is tragic that another family has been plunged into despair and grief as a result of a savage and cowardly attack.
“Those who murdered this man are determined to bring down the peace process and the Belfast Agreement. Dissident republican bombers and loyalist murder gangs are two sides of the same coin. None of us in Northern Ireland can afford to let them succeed."
Dr Reid appealed for anyone with information on the attack to contact police.
The Limavady Road TA base is currently home to the 211 Ambulance Squadron of the Royal Logistic Corps (Transport) and detachment 253 North Irish Field Ambulance. The army said that the camp is not used for security operations.
An Army spokesman added that the incident was "an outrage, a despicable cowardly attack on an innocent civilian and should be condemned by all law-abiding people".
This type of attack bears some similarities to two other incidents at bases in Northern Ireland and England.
In February last year, a 14-year-old boy was blinded and lost a hand at a camp used by the Parachute Regiment's TA unit in west London. Stephen Menary was injured after he picked up a military-style torch – containing a small quantity of high explosives – outside the White City camp, setting it off.
Almost exactly one year later a civilian worker was severely injured after an explosion close to the perimeter fence of an army training area at Benone beach in Co Londonderry.
In both instances, dissident republicans were blamed for the explosions.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 June 2014
Man Arrested Over East Belfast Stabbing
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of a 66-year-old man in east Belfast on Tuesday afternoon. The attack occurred at Wolsey's tackle shop on the Upper Newtownards Road at about 15:30.
Man Arrested Over East Belfast Stabbing
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of a 66-year-old man in east Belfast on Tuesday afternoon. The attack occurred at Wolsey's tackle shop on the Upper Newtownards Road at about 15:30.
23 May 2014
Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Crossbow Attack
A man has been charged with attempted murder following a crossbow attack in south Belfast on Wednesday evening. A 29-year-old man was shot with a crossbow while he was in a parked car in the Belgravia Avenue area. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. A woman was also in the car at the time of the attack but was not injured.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Crossbow Attack
A man has been charged with attempted murder following a crossbow attack in south Belfast on Wednesday evening. A 29-year-old man was shot with a crossbow while he was in a parked car in the Belgravia Avenue area. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. A woman was also in the car at the time of the attack but was not injured.
22 February 2006
Antrim man charged in connection with German bombing
A Northern Ireland man has today been charged with an IRA bomb attack on a British army base in Germany in 1989. Leonard Joseph Hardy, 45, from Antrim, was also charged by German federal prosecutors with attempted murder in relation to the attack on the base in Osnabruck 17 years ago. The accused could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Antrim man charged in connection with German bombing
A Northern Ireland man has today been charged with an IRA bomb attack on a British army base in Germany in 1989. Leonard Joseph Hardy, 45, from Antrim, was also charged by German federal prosecutors with attempted murder in relation to the attack on the base in Osnabruck 17 years ago. The accused could face life imprisonment if convicted.
08 July 2002
Three critically injured in road traffic incidents
A man has been hurt in another hit and run incident in north Belfast on Sunday night. The latest victim, who is 48-years-old, was struck by a car which mounted the pavement at the junction of Union Street and Library Street. He suffered a broken pelvis and hip and police are treating it as attempted murder.
Three critically injured in road traffic incidents
A man has been hurt in another hit and run incident in north Belfast on Sunday night. The latest victim, who is 48-years-old, was struck by a car which mounted the pavement at the junction of Union Street and Library Street. He suffered a broken pelvis and hip and police are treating it as attempted murder.
15 September 2006
Ex-soldier released after questioning
An ex-soldier who was being questioned over the murder of a baby girl in County Down 40-years-ago, has been released. Police in Belfast have today confirmed that the man, aged in his 60's, was released pending a report being sent to the Public Prosecution Service.
Ex-soldier released after questioning
An ex-soldier who was being questioned over the murder of a baby girl in County Down 40-years-ago, has been released. Police in Belfast have today confirmed that the man, aged in his 60's, was released pending a report being sent to the Public Prosecution Service.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
