Condemnation after pipe bombs explode in Bushmills

The incidents happened just before 1am this morning (Friday). One device detonated at Woodland Court and another at a house nearby.

On arrival the scene was cordoned off with residents on looking. During this time another explosion was reported to police on scene at a premises nearby at Ballaghmore Court. The window of this house was shattered and damage to the property was sustained.

North Antrim TUV MLA Jim Allister said: “Last night’s dual pipe bomb attacks in the heart of a residential area in Bushmills could so easily have caused injury or death, as they are designed to do. The fact that on this occasion only property was damaged does not diminish the utter unacceptability of such violence.

“Those who seek to bring their terror and domination to the community need to be got off the backs of the people. I urge anyone with relevant information to bring it to the PSNI.”

North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey also condemned the incident.

Commenting, Mervyn Storey said: “It is extremely sad that we have people in our society who still believe that they have a right to carry out such attacks.

“Thankfully nobody on this occasion was injured in these attacks, however we should be under no illusion, it is only a matter of time until someone will be seriously injured or worse unless these attacks are dealt with rigorously and condemned by all sections of the community.

“I would appeal for an end to this terrorising of Bushmills. It does nothing for its reputation and for the people who live there.

“I would also appeal to anyone who has any information, that would be useful in identifying those responsible, to contact the police.”