Bin bomb explosion arrest

DETECTIVES investigating an explosion in Lurgan on Saturday have arrested a 46-year-old man.

The blast happened at around 3pm at the junction of North Circular Road and Levin Road.

It is thought that police officers were in the area responding to reports of an unauthorised parade that was to take place. No-one was injured.

Petrol bombs were hurled at police carrying out follow up searches in the Kilwilkee estate.

It is understood that the bomb exploded in a dog litter bin scattering shrapnel and debris over the surrounding area.

Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd described the bomb attack as ‘an attempt to kill police officers’.

“The planting of this device along a busy road on one of the busiest days of the year was not only callous it was stupid,” he said.

“Thankfully no-one was injured as a result of this madness.”

Mr O’Dowd suggested that dissident republicans were to blame for the attack in the North Lurgan area.

The incident was also condemned by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who said that “anti-peace extremists” were behind the blast.

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn joined in condemning the attack. He said: “The people responsible have no place in our society. There can be no justification for any attempt to bring violence on to our streets.”

Police are asking for anyone with information about the incident to contact them by ringing 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 55 5 111.

Source http://www.lurganmail.co.uk/news/local/bin-bomb-explosion-arrest-1-4955217