Police cordoned off scene of bomb alert in Dungiven, Co Derry earlier this week
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell, Head of the Terrorist Investigation Unit, said: “Terrorism Investigation Unit detectives today arrested two men under the Terrorism Act in Derry in connection with the viable device which was discovered beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on Monday 19th April.
“A 36 year old man, who was arrested in the Lettershandoney area and a 26 year old man, who was arrested in Creggan area, have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where they are being questioned by detectives.”
TIU Detectives today launched the Major Incident Public Portal as part of their investigation into the attempted murder of a female member of police staff, who is also a part time police officer.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the viable device which was discovered beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on Monday 19th April.
“The device, which had explosives attached to a container with flammable liquid, was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or anyone close by, or those calling to the house.
“What is really distressing is the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car directly at the point where the victim’s three year old daughter sits.
“It demonstrates the complete and utter disregard those who planted it had for the life of a mother and her very young daughter.
“This was a cowardly and despicable act carried out by desperate people. They deserve no support from any part of our community.
“While the investigation is at an early stage and detectives are keeping an open mind, we are aware that a claim has been made on behalf of the new IRA and this is a strong line of enquiry for us.
“I appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of this attack, or indeed of anyone involved in dissident republican, or other violent or terrorist, activity to come forward and provide any information they have to the police.
“We particularly want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Ballyquin Road, Dungiven between Monday 12th and Monday 19th April 2021.
“Today we have launched the Major Incident Public Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI21Q07-PO1 so that people can tell us what they know, send photographs or upload video or dash-cam footage.
“I am appealing to anyone who has any information to talk to us. Please pick up the phone and tell us what you know on 101 or alternatively on the anonymous Crimestoppers charity number on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
“We all need to work together to bring those responsible for attempting to kill a three year old child and her mother to justice.”
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