Tensions Heighten After Newtownards Bus Attack
Police are appealing for information following the hijacking of a bus in the Abbot Drive area of Newtownards this morning (1 November).
At approximately 6.30am, two masked and armed men boarded the bus and poured fuel over the vehicle before setting it alight.
The driver managed to get off the bus unharmed but has been left badly shaken by the incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information in relation to it, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 444 of 01/11/21.
A report can be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via:
http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
Justice Minister Naomi Long in responding to the incident said: “I totally condemn this deplorable attack on an early morning bus service in Newtownards this morning.
“Spraying the interior of a public bus with liquid and setting it alight will achieve nothing other than spreading fear and causing disruption to much needed services in communities.
“My thoughts are with the driver and everyone affected by this incident. The risk to public safety was significant. No one going about their business should be subjected to this kind of wanton violence and destruction.
“This criminality has no place in society. This is not the image of Northern Ireland that we want for our citizens. This is not what people who are already dealing with concerns about the pandemic and rising costs need to be waking up to this morning.
“I urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.”
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong also condemned those behind the bus hijacking and burning of a bus on Abbot Drive, Newtownards.
Speaking in the NI Assembly, Kellie Armstrong MLA said: “I condemn this deeply disturbing act of violence. I would like to pass on my support to the bus driver, who is understandably badly shaken by this incident.
“This is 2021 not 1971, the Troubles are behind us. Paramilitaries of all types should have left the stage.
“Yet here we are masked thugs with a gun attacking a public service. Northern Ireland rejected violence in 1998. The Community wants a shared and safer future for all.
“The police have called for information from anyone who was in the Abbott Drive area around 6.30am who may have seen the hijack taking place and can help the police to catch the individuals responsible.”
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