NI pipe bomb moved to waste ground by member of public

A pipe bomb attack in Co Tyrone was a deliberate attempt to kill police officers, a police chief has warned.

The device was thrown at a patrol in the Ballycolman Estate in Strabane shortly before 8.25pm last night.

Investigators said a member of the public lifted the deadly pipe bomb and moved it to an area of waste ground.

Army bomb experts called to the scene carried out a controlled explosion. It was later declared to be a viable pipe bomb.

The security operation ended shortly before 3am.

Chief Insp Andy Lemon, PSNI area commander for Strabane, said those behind the attack had no regard for human life.

“This was not only a deliberate attempt to kill police officers but was an attack on the community of Strabane, and it is very fortunate that no one, either police or civilian, was seriously injured last night,” he said.

“Had this device exploded it could have killed or maimed anyone close by. Those responsible showed total disregard for the local community and put the lives of local people in the area at risk.”

Mr Lemon praised local residents in the Ballycolman estate and the wider community for patience and support throughout the security operation.

“I want to reassure them that we will not be deterred by this attack,” he added.

The PSNI has appealed for information.

Press Association