§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the IRA attack on Fork-hill RUC station on Monday 23rd January; how many were injured; what was the nature of their injuries; what damage was done; what weapons were used by the terrorists; and what arrests were made.
§ Mr. MasonAt 12.21 hours on Monday 23rd January two mortar bombs landed in the compound at Forkhill RUC Station, County Armagh, causing extensive damage to a washroom and accommodation block. Nine soldiers were hurt in the attack, but none seriously. The mortars had been fired from two mortar tables placed on the back of a flat-bed lorry, which had been parked on a housing estate out of sight of the RUC station.
At 15.02 hours the lorry was being moved when an explosive device detonated, injuring three police officers. One received neck and facial injuries and a broken jaw, and the second officer received injuries to the head and chest. Both have been detained in hospital. The third officer was treated at the scene for cuts and shock, and was later admitted to hospital. Houses in the area suffered minor blast damage.
No arrests have yet been made, but police inquiries into the incident are being vigorously pursued.