LOCAL South Down politicians have joined in their condemnation of a pipe bomb device attack on a home in Shrigley early this morning (5 December).
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A front door at a house in Shrigley was damaged after a pipe bomb-type attack.[/caption]
Detectives are now appealing for information. Police responded to a report of an explosion in the Martin Green area of Shrigley shortly before 2am this morning. An Army Technical Officer (ATO) team were tasked to the scene and confirmed that a pipe bomb-type device had exploded causing damage to the front door of the property. Nobody was injured during the incident.
Police would like to appeal to anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact CID at Downpatrick Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or alternatively, if someone would like to pass on their information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Killyleagh Down District Councillor Billy Walker (DUP) said: “I totally condemn this attack. There is no place in our society for such people who do this sort of action. No-one deserves treatment like this. There is always the danger that someone just may get killed from one of these pipe bomb incidents if it just went off at the wrong time or in the wrong way. There was a similar incident at this house around two years ago when a device was let off against the gable wall.
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The quiet community of Martin Green in Shrigley was disturbed by an early morning pipe bomb-type explosion damaging the front door of a gable end house.[/caption]
“When the bomb was discovered, the area was evacuated. This was very stressful for the neighbours at this time of morning. Some are elderly and some families have young children.
“The individuals who do this sort of bomb attack need to be apprehended. I am keeping an open mind as to why this attack took place. Whatever the reasons, we must let the police investigation determine the real reasons. We must not speculate. I am keeping an open mind about it all.”
South Down MLA Chris Hazzard (Sinn Féin) has condemned those responsible for a pipe bomb that exploded in the Shrigley housing estate. Speaking following the incident, Mr.Hazzard said: “Martin Green, where this device was discovered, is home to a large number of young families with small children and any of them could have been harmed by this device. It is disgraceful that this type of incident has occurred in the area and my thoughts are with the people who were targeted by this act.
“This sort of behaviour is totally unwelcome in Shrigley and those responsible need to cease this type of activity immediately. I have talked to a number of residents this morning who are united in their condemnation of this incident in what is an otherwise extremely quiet and peaceful village. I want to call on anyone with any information around this to contact the PSNI and to maintain vigilance in the area.”
Rowallene Down District Councillor Maria McCarthy (SDLP) has also condemned the pipe bomb attack in Shrigley.
Cllr McCarthy said: “This behaviour is totally out of keeping with the ethos and community of Shrigley.
“Shrigley is peaceful village and this senseless attack will be rejected by the entire community. Those responsible showed total disregard for residents and put the lives of local people in the area at risk .I am thankful that no one was hurt in this explosion.
“I would urge anyone with information on this crime to contact the PSNI immediately so those responsible can be held accountable to the full weight of the law.”
Independent Rowallene Councillor Terry Andrews said: “I utterly condemn the pipe bomb attack without reservation. No-one and no family deserves to be treated in this manner.This could easily have ended up as a fatality. It must stop.
“I called out to visit the family this afternoon and they are clearly affected by this incident. Such incidents impact on the whole community and we need to guard against these acts. My thoughts and prayers today are with the family who have suffered this attack.”
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