Police have carried out a reconstruction of the events leading up to the bomb attack in Londonderry last Saturday night (Saturday, January 26).
One week on from the bombing outside the court house in Bishop Street in Derry, detectives from PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have issued a fresh appeal for information.
Police are appealing to anyone who saw a grey Ford Fusion, WCZ 2167, which was hijacked in Quarry Street and driven to Bishop Street via Barrack Street to get in touch. They have also since recovered a suspected handgun.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Griffin said: “Last Saturday night (January 19) at around 8:10pm, Derry/Londonderry was packed with families and tourists, socialising and enjoying the best of what the city has to offer when a bomb detonated outside the court house.”
He said ‘this unbelievably reckless attack’ left children and adults in fear of their lives and caused widespread disruption to many people in the local area.
“It is only out of sheer luck nobody was killed or maimed,” he added.
Police have this evening carried out a reconstruction and handed out leaflets.
“Tonight at the exact same time that the terrorist parked the car, detonated the bomb and ran away from the scene, we carried out a reconstruction, handed out leaflets and spoke to many people in the area in a bid to jog people’s memories. There has been widespread condemnation of this attack and this sentiment was echoed by the community when we spoke to them this evening,” he said.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Griffin said the investigation is progressing and police have now recovered a suspected handgun at Iona Court, which they believe was in the possession of one of the terrorists.
“The people responsible for this attack have shown no regard for local people and businesses and today, I would like to make a number of appeals and ask the community for their help.
“I would like to hear from anyone who was in the areas of Quarry Street, Lecky Road, Barrack Street, Bishop Street, Nailors’ Row and Long Tower Court, last Saturday night between 6pm and 9pm who may have seen either the vehicle or the terrorists, including the man who abandoned the car and ran away from the scene?” he said.
“Did you see a Grey coloured Ford Fusion, WCZ 2167, which was hijacked in Quarry Street and driven to Bishop Street via Barrack Street?
“Did you witness anything unusual or see any other vehicles in the area at that time?
“Do you have any dashcam footage?
“Were there any people in the area that you feel may be important to this enquiry?
“Is there anything else you can tell police that would help our investigation?” he said.
Detective Chief Inspector said the explosion was carried out by the New IRA.
“We know that a number of young teenagers walked past the bomb right before it detonated and while they were not the intended victims, this clearly demonstrates that these terrorists do not care about the safety of those living in this community. They don’t give a second thought to who they harm or the disruption they cause to local people and businesses,” he added.
Anyone who has any information about this incident can get in touch with police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1204 19/1/19.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Can you help us find those responsible for the attack in the heart of Derry City last week? Watch the video as we revisit the scene tonight and our investigating officer explains you how you can help. Phone 101 with info #EndingTheHarm #KeepingPeopleSafe pic.twitter.com/vOE1TeCcB5
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 26, 2019