Man in his 50s due in court charged with series of terror offences in connection with bombs in Derry, Dungiven and Strabane

A man in his 50s has been charged with a series of terror offences in connection with the discovery of improvised explosive devices in Derry, Dungiven and Strabane.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 14th May 2021, 10:10 BST
Updated 14th May 2021, 10:13 BST
A police Land Rover on the Ballyquin Road after a device was discovered on April 19.A police Land Rover on the Ballyquin Road after a device was discovered on April 19.
A police Land Rover on the Ballyquin Road after a device was discovered on April 19.

He is due in court this morning.

Police say detectives from its Terrorism Investigation Unit have charged a 52 year old man with terrorism offences.

He has been charged with 5 offences, including preparatory acts of terrorism, possession of articles for use in terrorism as well as three separate charges of possession of explosive devices with intent to endanger life. The man is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday, May 14. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.

A mortar weapon used by the 'New IRA' in a failed attack in Strabane in September 2019. A man is due in court in connection with the discovery of the device.A mortar weapon used by the 'New IRA' in a failed attack in Strabane in September 2019. A man is due in court in connection with the discovery of the device.
A mortar weapon used by the 'New IRA' in a failed attack in Strabane in September 2019. A man is due in court in connection with the discovery of the device.
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The charges are in connection with the discovery of improvised explosive devices at Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on April 19, 2021 and Skeoge Road on July 9, 2016, and the discovery of an improvised mortar bomb device at Church View, Strabane on September 7, 2019.

He was arrested in Derry on Wednesday in connection with the attempted murder of a female member of police staff, who is also a part time police officer, following the discovery of a viable explosive device beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on Monday, April 19 and as part of Operation Ledging, targeting the 'New IRA’s' bomb making activities as well as the group’s storage of explosive devices and equipment.

Two other men, aged 23 and 62, arrested in Derry/Londonderry on Wednesday in connection with the attempted murder of a female member of police staff, who is also a part time police officer in Dungiven have been released following questioning as the investigation continues.