HC Deb 21 June 1972 vol 839 cc135-6W
Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the explosion at Browns Hardware Shop, Old park Road, Belfast, on 26th May.

Mr. Channon

At 12.12 a.m. on Saturday, 27th May, 1972, an explosion took place at Brown's Hardware Shop, 110 Old park Road, Belfast. An explosive charge was placed outside the front door and detonated without warning, causing extensive damage to Brown's and an adjoining shop. The blast caused superficial damage to 20 other premises close by. Two civilians were injured. Security forces arriving at the scene came under gunfire and Captain B. McKay, RAMC, who was giving first aid to the injured, was seriously wounded. Two civilians received less serious gunshot wounds.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the bomb explosion in Ann Street, Belfast, on 28th May.

Mr. Channon

At 7.57 p.m. on Sunday, 28th May, 1972, the Samaritans received an anonymous telephone call that a car parked in Ann Street, Belfast, contained a bomb. Security forces located the vehicle—a Ford Cortina which had been hi-jacked near Queen's University at 6.15 p.m.—in Ann Street near Telfair Street. They evacuated and cordoned off the area. At 8.59 p.m. the bomb exploded, causing severe damage to business premises close by. Glass was broken in many buildings over a wide area. There were no injuries. It is estimated that the bomb contained 50 to 100 lbs. of explosive.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the explosion at Springfield Road Army/Royal Ulster Constabulary station on 30th May; and what information he has as to how the explosive device got into the building.

Mr. Channon

At 9.48 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th May, 1972, an explosion took place in the locker room at the back of Springfield Road Royal Ulster Constabulary Station. About 20 feet of the outside wall of the station on the Violet Street side was blown out by the blast and extensive damage caused in the locker room and adjacent rooms. The bomb, estimated to contain 20 lbs of explosive, killed Kingsman James Doglay and injured four other soldiers and two male canteen workers. The incident is being investigated by the police.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the explosion which destroyed the shop of Councillor Brent Hughes at York Street, Belfast, on 31st May.

Mr. Channon

At 9.05 p.m. on Wednesday, 31st May, 1972, an explosion took place at the newsagent's shop of Mr. Brent Hughes at 194, York Street, Belfast. Two armed men entered the premises and planted a bomb. They ordered the female assistant out and left. The subsequent explosion caused extensive damage to the premises. No one was hurt.

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