THE CAR USED by gunmen who fired upon PSNI officers in an attack in Belfast during the week most likely came from the south of the country.
The PSNI have made a specific appeal this evening for help in tracking the movements of that car.
Two police officers escaped injury when a gunman opened fire on their police vehicle in Rossnareen Avenue at around 6.50pm last Thursday. The vehicle was hit eight times.
A dissident republican group, styling itself as the IRA, claimed responsibility for last week’s attack in a statement to the Irish News newspaper.
“We believe the gunman travelled to and from the scene in a black BMW 3 Series bearing the false number plate 05 C 24774. This vehicle was later found on fire in Cluain Mor Drive,” said Detective Chief Inspector Richard Campbell, the detective leading the investigation.
That car was reported stolen from an address at Ashbourne, Co Meath, on 7 September.
Its genuine registration is 05 LH 5364.
“It is critical to our investigation that we gather as much information as possible about the movements of the BMW between the time it was stolen and it being used in Thursday’s gun attack,” said Campbell
I am appealing to residents on both sides of the border – did you see this vehicle at any time after 7 September? Can you help us trace the movements of the vehicle either in the Republic of Ireland or as it made its way north across the border and into Northern Ireland?
Any detail, no matter how small, could be important.
Both the owner of the stolen car and the registered owner of the vehicle bearing the false number plate have been cleared of any wrongdoing according to the PSNI.
Last week’s shooting was widely condemned, with Northern Secretary Theresa Villiers describing it as “shocking”.
Anyone with information about the movements of the car can contact the PSNI from Northern Ireland by calling 101, or from the Republic of Ireland by calling 048 9065222 and asking for Major Investigation Team detectives at Ladas Drive.
Alternatively, information can be given to officers at Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 801 0600 or via the Garda confidential number 1-800-666-111.
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