Bomb attack on MLA’s office is condemned

Suspected arson attack at the Alliance Party office in Lisburn, County Antrim. A member of the public reported hearing a bang in the area at 06:00 GMT on Saturday. It is thought that petrol was poured through the shutters of the office at Graham Gardens, but did not ignite properly. picture Mark marlow/pacemaker press

The office of Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn in Graham Gardens in Lisburn City Centre was attacked during the early hours of Saturday morning (December 14).

At first, police believed petrol had been poured through the office shutters and set alight. However, on further investigation, it was revealed that the damage had been caused by a pipe bomb device.

Mr Lunn said the incident was “an attack on democracy” but insisted it would not deter him from his constituency work. Lisburn Mayor, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, strongly condemned the attack. “Trevor was actually out on Friday evening fundraising for my charity, the Diabetes Unit at Lagan Valley Hospital, and when I learnt of this horrendous attack on his office I personally contacted him to lend my support to him,” she said.

“Since then I have written to Trevor reiterating my personal support and that of the Council. Acts like this are totally senseless and have no place in today’s society as we look forward to a shared future of peace.”

Alliance Councillor Stephen Martin said it was lucky the pipe bomb did not cause serious injury. “People in Lagan Valley won’t stand for acts of intimidation on elected representatives of any party and I want to thank everyone who have conveyed their best wishes over the last number of days.”

The Chairman of the Lagan Valley Ulster Unionist Association, Councillor Brian Bloomfield, said: “This despicable act is reprehensible and totally anti-democratic and has no support from within the Unionist community. Our society is in the process of moving on and such acts have no place in that.”

Former Mayor of Lisburn, SDLP Councillor Brian Heading, called the attack on Mr Lunn’s offce “cowardly”.

He added: “Whatever people may think of or believe the stance of the Alliance party is on issues facing the community it is important a clear message is sent to those who would use violence and intimidation to silence free speech.”

Councillor Stephen Magennis, Chairman of the Lisburn PCSP, placed on record his wholehearted condemnation. “I would condemn this wreckless act,” he said.

“We must not allow such incidents of violence bring our community down.”

The police would like to hear from anyone who was in the Bachelor’s Walk or Railway Street area of the city between 5.30am and 6.30am. Anyone with information about the attack, can contact police in Lisburn on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.