26. Rev. William McCreaasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the bombing in Strabane on Friday 4 November, indicating the number of casualties inflicted, the amount of darnage done, and the number of Royal Ulster Constabulary personnel on duty in and around Strabane at the time of the bombing.
Mr. PriorAt 9.59 pm on Friday 4 November 1983 an explosion occurred in a van which had been left in the middle of Patrick street, Strabane outside the Fair bar. No warning had been given. The Irish National Liberation Army subsequently claimed responsibility. The explosion demolished the bar and severely damaged two nearby dwellings. Fourteen private dwellings and a licensed restaurant suffered extensive damage and 38 other buildings in the surrounding area suffered lesser damage. A number of vehicles were also damaged. Thirteen people including three policemen were seriously injured and were admitted to Altnagelvin hospital, Londonderry. Another 16 people were also hurt but did not require admission to hospital.
It would not be appropriate to reveal the exact number of police deployed in any particular area at any specific time. Police inquiries are continuing into this callous and cowardly act of terrorism.