Drumbeg hijacking

There was widespread condemnation after three armed men hijacked the No. 46 bus on July 12 at around 4.30pm.

They ordered the driver and two passengers off before driving it to the Drumbeg estate.

The local residents’ group said: “We were totally disgusted. The community has done a lot of work on the ground to get things resolved.”

The ‘MAIL’ understands Republican Sinn Fein approached residents to say the hijacking was not done on their behalf and they were equally as disgusted.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Tommy O’Connor called on those behind the violence to stop and allow the people of the area to live their lives in peace.

“Those responsible for this latest act of anarchy are renegades who care nothing about their community. Anyone who would hijack a bus, drive it in to their own estate and then set it on fire has obviously no thought or respect for their neighbours and are working against the interests of the nationalist people.”

“In a single, pointless incident these renegades have endangered the lives and homes of local residents and cancelled out the work done to reinstate a bus route on which local people, especially the elderly, depend.”

Translink said: “The safety of our employees and passengers is a key priority for Translink and as a result, the 46 service is currently operating along an alternative route, via Gilpinstown Road and Pinebank.”