Write a comment
Detectives in Newry are continuing to investigate a pipe bomb explosion that occurred at a house in Mullaghbawn in the early hours of Friday morning, June 27.
Detective Sergeant Johnston said: “At approximately 1:00am this morning, police received a report of a loud explosion outside a property in the Sliabh Mor area.
“It is believed at this time that a device in the form of a pipe bomb was thrown at the front of a house around 00:30 which subsequently exploded causing substantial damage to windows and an outdoor railing. The occupants of property are a young family who were fortunately not harmed, though they are understandably left shocked and shaken by this incident.
"Devices of this type can cause damage over a wide area causing destruction far beyond any intended target.
“The device has been taken away for further examination and detectives are keen to establish a motive for the attack.
Slieve Gullion Councillor Aine Quinn condemned those behind the incident. “This reckless action has caused serious distress amongst the wider community as well as severe disruption”. Newry and Armagh MLA, Aoife Finnegan has asked anyone with information to report it.
MLA Justin McNulty also condemned the incident. “Mullaghbawn is an idyllic rural village situated in the heart of the Ring of Gullion, an area steeped in history, culture and mythology. This sort of incident is totally out of character with the locality and the community.
“This was an absolutely recklessly dangerous attack on an innocent young family and the community. It’s absolutely sickening that a family home with young children in bed would be targeted in this way and it is extremely lucky that nobody was injured in this incident or worse. It was a terribly frightening experience for the family who I spoke with and who are understandably shaken.
“People in Mullaghbawn are shocked and angered that this has happened. They feel they should be able to live safely in their homes without experiencing this type of attack.
“Those responsible for carrying out this attack did so without care for this young family or their neighbours and they must be held responsible for their actions. I would urge anyone with any information to come forward to police.”
