‘Abhorrent’ and ‘disgraceful’ hotel incendiary attack put lives at risk says Middleton
The dispatch of a viable incendiary device to the Ebrington Hotel last week was branded a ‘disgraceful’ attack that put lives at risk by DUP MLA Julie Middleton at Stormont.
“This was not simply an attack on a building, it was an attack on the lives of hotel staff, guests, local workers, and put members of the public at risk.
"Disgustingly families and our precious children were enjoying a fun fair mere metres away from where this device was delivered on a week when the city planned to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to bring much needed revenue.
"The planned disruption and vile actions are nothing less than abhorrent and disgraceful.
"The potential consequences could have been absolutely devastating,” Mrs. Middleton told MLAs.
The bomb attack on Tuesday, October 27, has not yet been claimed by any group or organisation whether republican or loyalist.
However, Derry Area Commander Gillian Kearney last week indicated that one line of inquiry was that dissident republicans may have been responsible.
Speaking at Stormont on Monday, Mrs. Middleton said: “Let us be clear, the person or group, yet to be identified, cares nothing for our safety, the peace we so desire, or our lives. It is disgusting. It is frankly absurd to think that human life could mean so little to others. I want to place on record my thanks to the PSNI officers and the Army Ammunition Techniocal Officers who worked tirelessly and put their own lives at risk to protect the public.”