Device ‘could have killed’ – Baggott
The PSNI Chief Constable has appealed for information about an “indiscriminate and reckless” attack in which an explosive device was hurled at officers in Belfast.
Three police officers were hurt in Friday night`s incident and one remains in hospital with severe injuries to his arm which will require further surgery on Saturday.
The officers were at the scene of a robbery at a bookmakers on the Shaws Road when a device was thrown at them.
Chief Constable Matt Baggott refused to be drawn on speculation that the robbery was part of an attempt to lure officers into the area.
“When it was pre-planned I’m not going to speculate but it was a very serious attempt to kill or maim police officers and a very serious attempt to kill innocent people.”
He strongly appealed for anyone who was in the area on Friday night and witnessed the attack to contact the PSNI.
Meanwhile, security journalist Brian Rowan has received a call from someone claiming to be from Óglaigh na hÉireann, who admitted responsiblity for the attack
“It was a call to my mobile phone. I had no pen or paper on me at the time so I don’t have a verbatim note of what was said. But the caller said he represented the Belfast Brigade of Óglaigh na hÉireann, they admitted responsibility for last night’s attack in Andersonstown.
“I think they may have used the term ambush, and they said something about a Russian type or Russian style grenade used in the attack. And they gave a code word that I recognised, a code word they used when they called me to admit the attack on Palace Barracks in Holywood.”
DUP MLA and Policing Board member Ian McCrea said his thoughts are with the injured officers.
“I totally condemn this attack on these Police officers in west Belfast; they could have been killed,” Mr McCrea said.
“The security forces of N.I. have already suffered greatly at the hands of such criminals throughout our history and I appeal for no more bloodshed.
“I wish the injured officers a speedy recovery and my thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this time.”
