PSNI probe west Belfast mortar attack

Published Wednesday, 01 August 2012

Police are investigating a mortar attack and the firing of a shot at a PSNI patrol in west Belfast last Friday.

Police conduct searches in the Glen Road area on Wednesday morning. (© UTV)

Searches were carried out by the PSNI in the Glen Road area on Wednesday morning relating to the attack on police which happened at around 4am on Friday 27 July.

Nothing untoward was found as a result of the searches.

Two days ago, on Monday, police confirmed that a shot had hit a PSNI vehicle in the area known as the turning circle at the top of the Glen Road - but they have now confirmed a mortar attack is also being investigated.

It is understood officers were on routine patrol at the time. No-one was hurt but their vehicle was slightly damaged.

The attack is being viewed by police as a "potentially murderous".

Officers have been following a number of lines of inquiry and would not be drawn on who they think is responsible - but it is believed dissident group Óglaigh na hÉireann could be behind the attack.

The incident occurred the day after dissident a number of dissident groups - including RAAD and the Real IRA - announced they would be joining together to form a 'new IRA'.

The Glen Road, between the Hannahstown Hill junction and the Shaws Road junction, was closed for a time - but has now been reopened.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Comments

5 Comments

Johnny Mac in Belfast wrote (290 days ago):

I think that dissident republicans are aware that they have no support in their local communities. By increasing attacks on the police they hope that the British Army will be brought back on to the streets. Then they can watch their support rise as the army shoots a few locals and raid homes. Being soldiers, they don't know any better.

big c in falls wrote (291 days ago):

how did they get their mobile to work i never have signal up that end of the glen road

On the Fence in Belfast wrote (291 days ago):

Jackie - reading between the lines it looks as though the Police didn't know a mortar was fired at them, they only seemed to be aware of a gunshot, which they publicised. It looks like a reaction to information they have only found out...but then again, what do I know?? ;)

Liam in Belfast wrote (291 days ago):

Can't we all just get along?

jackie in belfast wrote (291 days ago):

Another speedy response from the police as usual.