Furniture store damaged as firebombers strike again

A FURNITURE store was damaged after firebombers behind a wave of attacks on shops across the North struck again.

As firefighters fought a blaze caused by two incendiary devices at the Harry Corry premises in Ballymena, Co Antrim, on Tuesday night, a third bomb ignited.

No one was injured, but brigade chiefs said that the crew had been put in danger.

With six attacks in four days, police commanders believe dissident republicans are behind the campaign to cause major disruption over Christmas.

They have warned that people’s lives were being put at risk by the spate of attacks.

Other retailers in Ballymena, Magherafelt and Maghera were also warned to check their premises.

In the latest incident, a police patrol spotted smoke billowing from the shop on Church Street at around 3am.

Fire station officer Mark Beresford hit out at those who tried to destroy the store. “It makes me sad that we have come back to this, and to a degree angry at the fact that this has started to happen again. But the crews and the officers are all well trained to deal with this type of incident and they know how to minimise the risk to their personnel.”

Assistant Chief Constables Duncan McCausland and Peter Sheridan issued a joint appeal to shoppers and retailers to be extra vigilant after incendiary devices were discovered in stores across the province.

They launched a fierce attack on the dissident republicans believed to be responsible for the recent incendiary devices, which have caused serious damage and major disruption. “Lives could have been lost or people seriously injured. The quick thinking of staff and the emergency services has prevented this so far, but we cannot be complacent.”

They urged business owners and managers to review security measures and check premises thoroughly both during and after trading.

“All right-thinking people should be appalled by these attacks. As the season of goodwill approaches, some elements of society are intent on causing destruction and putting lives at risk.

“These attacks also threaten the jobs of ordinary people in communities across Northern Ireland.”

The statement followed the destruction of a large store in a suspected firebomb attack on the outskirts of north Belfast on Monday night.

Also on Monday, a partially exploded incendiary bomb was discovered by staff in a Homebase DIY store in Derry.

Only minor damage was caused to the shop on the Crescent Link retail park.

A fire which caused £100,000 (€144,000) damage to a carpet store at another retail park in Derry on Sunday morning is also believed to be the result of arson, though forensic tests have proved inconclusive.

Another incendiary device was discovered in a sports shop in Newry, Co Down, on Saturday night.