PSNI Chief Warns Dunmurry Bombers ‘Your Children Will Not Want This’
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has issued a stark warning to those behind the car bomb attack outside Dunmurry police station, saying their actions offer no future and will ultimately be rejected by the next generation.
Speaking after the explosion, Boutcher said those responsible should reflect on the consequences of their actions, warning that “your children will not want this” in reference to the continuation of violence in Northern Ireland/The North.
The attack involved a hijacked vehicle being used to deliver an explosive device to the police station in a residential area of west Belfast. The bomb detonated as residents were being evacuated, including families with young children. No injuries were reported.
Police are treating the incident as attempted murder and have said their working hypothesis is that it may be linked to dissident republican activity, specifically the New IRA, although no group has formally claimed responsibility.
Boutcher said those involved will be pursued and brought before the courts, making clear that the investigation is ongoing and that police are working to identify those responsible.
The Chief Constable also described the attack as not just a threat to police, but to society as a whole, highlighting the risk posed to civilians in a built-up residential area.
The incident follows a similar attempted attack in Lurgan in March, where a hijacked vehicle was also used to deliver an explosive device to a police station. Police have pointed to similarities between the two incidents, reinforcing concerns around recurring tactics.
In Northern Ireland/The North, the use of so-called proxy devices – where civilians are forced to transport explosives – remains one of the most dangerous methods associated with dissident activity, due to the unpredictable risk to the public.
Political and policing responses have emphasised that such attacks do not reflect wider community support and risk undermining the stability established since the Good Friday Agreement.
While incidents of this nature remain relatively infrequent, the continued use of these tactics highlights the ongoing presence of groups operating outside the political process.
The investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have been confirmed.
Have a story you want to write yourself? Join Commentators Corner and write the news you want known - troubles/legacy or whatever is important to you.
Join Commentators CornerMore Stories - Click To View
The Largest Archive Of Troubles Media Ever Built
Explore thousands of documentaries, rare footage and banned material from the Troubles - preserved, organised and accessible in one place. Over 70,000 already follow ATL. Now go deeper.
Open The ATL Archive