Arabic version: تكريم سائق توصيل لشجاعته بعد حادثة اختطاف قنبلة

A delivery driver who was forced to transport a bomb to a police station in Dunmurry has been commended for his bravery by the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The incident occurred when the driver’s vehicle was hijacked at gunpoint in Twinbrook, west Belfast, shortly after 22:50 BST on Saturday night. He was ordered to drive the bomb to Dunmurry police station, where it detonated outside the building.

According to BBC News, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher praised the driver for alerting police staff and officers about the hijacking, which allowed for the evacuation of nearby residents. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the explosion, which occurred in a densely populated area while many families were at home.

The PSNI suspects that the bombing was carried out by dissident republicans, likely the New IRA. Boutcher described the act as “absolutely irresponsible” and noted that no group has yet claimed responsibility. He emphasized the need to address such violent behavior swiftly, stating that these actions are not supported by the community.

Residents in the area reported hearing a loud bang, which one described as sounding like a car crashing into a wall. Joe Morgan, a local father, recounted the moment of the explosion and the subsequent evacuation efforts by police. He expressed gratitude that his pregnant wife was away from home at the time.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland condemned the bombing, labeling it a “reckless act by desperate no-hopers”. They criticized the perpetrators for endangering lives without any clear objective, reflecting ongoing concerns about the influence of dissident republican groups in the region.