BOMB BID ON BORDER RUC BASE
Bomb bid on border RUC base
By Darwin Templeton
REPUBLICAN dissidents were blamed today for an apparent attempt to bomb a border RUC station.
Officers on duty at the Roslea base around midnight launched an alert after hearing a muffled explosion.
They found no damage, but at first light today security forces identified a suspect car close to the base.
The Volvo estate's rear window had been shattered and a cylindrical object was visible on the back seat.
One theory being explored is that terrorists attempted to launch a mortar into the station, which may have failed to discharge, or missed its target.
A major follow-up operation was in progress to establish if a device had detonated in the area of the base, which is close to the border.
Security forces had been on high alert yesterday as the Queen arrived to present the George Cross the RUC.
Intelligence reports warned that republican dissidents were plotting an attack to overshadow the ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.
One security source said today: "We are still establishing the facts and seeking to find out how serious this incident was.
"There is little doubt, however, that the dissidents would have loved to respond to the George Cross by killing police officers."
The incident also heightened concern that the dissident republican campaign is gathering momentum.
A number of recent attacks have been linked to the Real IRA, although the Continuity IRA has also been active around the Fermanagh border.
A security source said: "They seem to be gaining confidence and the expertise is growing with every day that passes.
"They are displaying a boldness that even the Provos did not show. "They are slowly returning to the pace of attacks they reached in the run-up to Omagh."
The incident also increased unionist unease about moves to scale down the security presence.
Ulster Unionist MP Ken Maginnis has repeatedly voiced concern about the threat along the Fermanagh border.
He said today: "I have had an ongoing difference of opinion with RUC commanders and I have questioned some recent decisions.
"I am sadly convinced that my anxiety relating to security in this area and the lives of civilians as well as security personnel, may be vindicated.
"I will be making further representations to the Chief Constable and the GOC."
By Darwin Templeton
REPUBLICAN dissidents were blamed today for an apparent attempt to bomb a border RUC station.
Officers on duty at the Roslea base around midnight launched an alert after hearing a muffled explosion.
They found no damage, but at first light today security forces identified a suspect car close to the base.
The Volvo estate's rear window had been shattered and a cylindrical object was visible on the back seat.
One theory being explored is that terrorists attempted to launch a mortar into the station, which may have failed to discharge, or missed its target.
A major follow-up operation was in progress to establish if a device had detonated in the area of the base, which is close to the border.
Security forces had been on high alert yesterday as the Queen arrived to present the George Cross the RUC.
Intelligence reports warned that republican dissidents were plotting an attack to overshadow the ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.
One security source said today: "We are still establishing the facts and seeking to find out how serious this incident was.
"There is little doubt, however, that the dissidents would have loved to respond to the George Cross by killing police officers."
The incident also heightened concern that the dissident republican campaign is gathering momentum.
A number of recent attacks have been linked to the Real IRA, although the Continuity IRA has also been active around the Fermanagh border.
A security source said: "They seem to be gaining confidence and the expertise is growing with every day that passes.
"They are displaying a boldness that even the Provos did not show. "They are slowly returning to the pace of attacks they reached in the run-up to Omagh."
The incident also increased unionist unease about moves to scale down the security presence.
Ulster Unionist MP Ken Maginnis has repeatedly voiced concern about the threat along the Fermanagh border.
He said today: "I have had an ongoing difference of opinion with RUC commanders and I have questioned some recent decisions.
"I am sadly convinced that my anxiety relating to security in this area and the lives of civilians as well as security personnel, may be vindicated.
"I will be making further representations to the Chief Constable and the GOC."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0736
Published Date: 13-Apr-00
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