British Broadcasting Corporation

BBC NEWS CHANNEL
News Front Page
Africa
Americas
Asia-Pacific
Europe
Middle East
South Asia
UK
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
UK Politics
Education
Magazine
Business
Health
Science & Environment
Technology
Entertainment
Also in the news
-----------------
Video and Audio
-----------------
Have Your Say
In Pictures
Country Profiles
Special Reports

Related BBC sites

Site Version
Page last updated at 21:18 GMT, Saturday, 31 January 2009
E-mail this to a friend Printable version

Car bomb found in security alert

Police divert traffic in Castlewellan
Police diverted traffic during the security alert in Castlewellan

A 300lb car bomb has been found in County Down five days after a telephoned warning claimed a device had been left in Castlewellan village.

Security forces discovered an abandoned car on Dublin Road on Saturday. Several controlled explosions were carried out on what police called "suspect items".

It is thought the bomb was planted by dissident republicans who were trying to target the Ballykinler army base.

Supt Greg Blain said it could have caused "substantial... loss of life".

"This is a large explosive device," said Supt Blain, adding that its detonation would have caused "substantial damage and loss of life".

Supt Blain said someone claiming to be a member of a dissident republican organisation had called a local newspaper to warn about the bomb.

We are not going back to the past - even if they are locked in it
Margaret Ritchie MLA

"They... abandoned it in an area close to local houses and schools, and then phoned through vague warnings about the locality and nature of the threat," he said.

"They placed the lives of every man, woman and child in the area at risk."

South Down Stormont Assembly member Margaret Ritchie said those behind the bomb deserved nothing but contempt from the community.

"For five days [people in the area] have been worried and suffered massive inconvenience, having to take long detours to get to work or bring children to school.

"Those who planted it should be in absolutely no doubt - we are not going back to the past, even if they are locked in it."

E-mail this to a friend Printable version

Print Sponsor

SEE ALSO
Dissidents are 'targeting firms'
16 Jan 09 |  Northern Ireland
Dissidents 'inept but dangerous'
06 Feb 08 |  Northern Ireland
Dissident threats 'hamper police'
30 Nov 08 |  Northern Ireland
Dissidents more active, says IMC
10 Nov 08 |  Northern Ireland
Real IRA admits shooting officer
14 Nov 07 |  Northern Ireland

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

TOP NORTHERN IRELAND STORIES
Car bomb found in security alert
Railway teen death 'suspicious'
Workers occupy crystal factory

FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Morgan Tsvangirai (centre) addresses crowd outside party offices (photo 30 January) Risky move
Relief and concern over Zimbabwe's unity government
Pro-government protesters In pictures
Economic crisis brings Russians out onto the streets
BBC's Interactive Reporter Siobhan Courtney Your World News
Could your news make it on to the BBC?
Skip to top

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific