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Car Theft

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at what time on 17 May 1974 the police first received and logged the reported theft or hijacking in Belfast of (a) an Austin 1800, registration number HOI 2487, (b) a Hillman Avenger, registration number DIA 4063, (c) a Ford Escort, registration number 1385 WZ, and, in Portadown, (d) a Hillman Minx registration number 6583 OZ. [93527]

Mr. Ingram [holding answer 19 October 1999]: Given the passage of time, many documents from this period have not been retained. The RUC have however traced a composite paper prepared for the general information of senior officers at the time. This is a summary of the day and does not contain all the information requested but records the following:

An Austin 1800, registration number HOI 2487 was hi-jacked at Richmond Street, Belfast at 0830 hours on Friday 17 May 1974. It was reported to police at 1520 hours.

A Hillman Avenger, registration number DOI 4063 was stolen from Torrens Road, Belfast at 1000 hours. It was reported to police at 1630 hours.

Information on the two remaining cars cannot for the present be traced.

Explosive Device (Garvaghy Road)

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the RUC took following reports of an explosive device being thrown from a car travelling in the Garvaghy road area of Portadown on 16 May; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; and at what stage is the police investigation. [94483]

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Mr. Ingram [holding answer 19 October 1999]: Police investigated this incident which was reported at 2333 hours by a person whose given name and address do not exist. The area was checked at 2339 hours with no sign of damage. At 0019 hours a mobile support unit extensively checked the area without result. At 0145 hours they again checked the area and spoke with a person who, while allegedly knowing the names of witnesses, refused to give details other than that a device had been thrown from a red Peugeot car. A further search was undertaken at first light but found nothing to support the allegation. A local resident suggested that the noise had come from the park itself and may have been a firework. In the absence of any witnesses, injury, damage, physical or forensic evidence the conclusion reached was that the explosion may have been a firework. Further investigation is therefore held pending additional information being received.

Violent Incidents

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the RUC took following (1) the petrol bomb attack on the home of a family in Armagh on 9 May; what damage was caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; what other attacks took place in that area at the time; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94478]

(2) the attack on a man and two women in the village area of Belfast on 2 May; what injuries were sustained in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [94470]

(3) the pipe bomb attack on the home of a couple living in south Belfast on 5 May; what injuries were sustained in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [94474]

(4) the attack on two people near the corner of Landsdowne and Antrim road on 4 May; what injuries were sustained in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [94472]

(5) the attack on a 29-year old man in Lurgan on 7 May; what injuries were sustained in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94476]

(6) a petrol bomb attack on a house in Derry on 31 May; what damage and injuries were caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94492]

(7) the attack on a man near a building site in Carrickfergus on 13 May; what injuries were caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94479]

(8) the stone-throwing attack in My Lady's road in Belfast on 19 May against a bus carrying students from St. Joseph's College; what injuries were caused in the

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course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; what other attacks took place in that area at that time; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94487]

(9) the attack on a man near the Mourneview estate in Lurgan on 2 May; what injuries were sustained in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [94471]

(10) the pipe bomb attack on a home in Armagh on 28 May; what damage and injuries were caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; what previous attacks on this family and their home have been recorded; and what is the present stage of police investigations; [94491]

(11) the arson attack on the Orange hall in Donaghmore, County Tyrone on 15 May; what damage was caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; what other attacks took place in that area at that time; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94481]

(12) the shooting attack on the vehicle of a youth worker in the Shankill area of Belfast on 21 May; what damage and injuries were caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrator of the attack; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94489]

(13) the attack on two 12-year-old boys in the Ardoyne area on 5 May; what injuries were sustained in the course of the attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; and at what stage is the investigation; [94473]

(14) the arson attack on a home on the Antiville estate, East Antrim on 18 May; what damage and injuries were caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of the attack; what other attacks took place in that area at that time; and what is the present stage of the police investigation; [94485]

(15) the petrol bomb on the home of a man in the Parkhall Estate in Antrim on the early morning of 9 May; what damage was caused in the course of this attack; what conclusions have been reached so far as to the perpetrators of this attack; what other attacks took place in that area at that time; and what is the present stage of the police investigation. [94477]

Mr. Ingram [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The dates given in four of the questions appear to be inaccurate. These incidents have all been thoroughly investigated by the police. They include a range of assaults and damage to property.

For several of these incidents the police have not established a definitive motive, but in most cases the motive is believed to have been sectarian and in some instances they were probably perpetrated by paramilitaries.

I understand in relation to the incidents raised, 22 people were arrested and released without charge, one person was convicted of assault and sentenced to six

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months' imprisonment and criminal proceedings are pending against another individual. Some investigations are still ongoing and others remain open but are subject to additional information becoming available.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in date order for each of the past five years, arson attacks on churches of each denomination stating in each case (a) a description of the damage to church property and estimated cost of repairs, (b) his conclusions on the perceived community affiliation of the perpetrators and (c) the arrests made, charges brought, successful prosecutions and sentences awarded. [95380]

Mr. Ingram: There have been 172 recorded attacks on churches and church property during the years 1994 to 1998, details of which have been placed in the Library of the House. The remaining information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the RUC took following (1) a call for assistance to be given to a 15 year-old boy being assaulted on Garvaghy road, Portadown on 28 July; where and how many police vehicles of what type were in the vicinity; where the vehicles were positioned in relation to the scene of the assault; what assistance was given; what injuries were sustained by the victim; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95396]

(2) the report of a pipe bomb left outside a residential property in Ballycastle, County Antrim on 8 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95375]

(3) the report of an arson attack on the Protestant Mission Hall in Tobermore, County Londonderry on 4 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation. [95382]

(4) the report of an explosive device found outside the GAA club in Dungannon, County Tyrone on 23 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95379]

(5) the report of an assault in the Stewartstown road in front of Woodbourne RUC station on the night of 24-25 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what injuries were sustained by the victim; what

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record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95394]

(6) the report of an attack on the Tullintrain Orange Hall just outside of Derry City on 14 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95377]

(7) the discovery on 9 June of an explosive device at the postal sorting office in Larne, County Antrim; how many persons were evacuated; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what record of similar incidents exists in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95393]

(8) reports of an assault upon a taxi driver outside the Royal Victoria Hospital in West Belfast on 31 July; what injuries were sustained by the victim; what is his estimate of damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95398]

(9) the report of attacks on a residential property in the Waterside district of Derry at approximately 4.00 am on 29 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95397]

(10) the reports of arson attacks on (a) St. Patrick's Church in Derriaghy, County Antrim, (b) St. Patrick's Church in Chapel Hill, Lisburn, County Antrim and (c) St. Coleman's Church in Hillsborough on 11 July; in each case, how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95376]

(11) the discovery on 7 June of a pipe bomb on the grounds of St. Mary's primary school in Ballymena, County Antrim; how many children were evacuated; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95392]

(12) the report of an arson attack on two homes in the Graymount Crescent are of north Belfast on 7 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his

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estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95383]

(13) the report of a pipe bomb attack on a Catholic church in Moneymore, County Derry on 27 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95395]

(14) the report of a paramilitary assault on a man in his home in Ballymoney, County Antrim on 15 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95378]

(15) the report of an arson attack on the Orange Hall in Warrenpoint, County Down on 4 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95381]

(16) the report of attacks on a video shop in Carrickfergus, County Antrim on 8 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95374]

(17) the discovery on 16 June of a pipe bomb on the grounds of St. Mary's primary school in Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh; how many children were evacuated; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation. [95385]

Mr. Ingram: The dates given in several of the questions appear to be inaccurate. These incidents have all been thoroughly investigated by the police, except the suggested attack on St. Coleman's Church in Hillsborough since the RUC have no record of such an incident on or around 11 July.

The incidents listed include a range of assaults, arson and pipe bomb attacks, robbery and assault, a paramilitary attack and in some instances no injuries or damage were sustained.

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The time taken for the RUC to arrive at the scene in the incidents requested is as follows:

Following the discovery of a pipe bomb outside a home in Ballycastle on 8 July the incident was reported at 1027 hours and the police attended the scene at 1037 hours.


An arson attack on a Mission Hall in Tobermore, Co. Londonderry was reported to the RUC at 0735 hours, they arrived on the scene at 0740 hours on 4 July.

The RUC received a report following the discovery of a pipe bomb outside a GAA club in Dungannon at 0725 hours on 23 July. Two possible sites were checked and police arrived at the scene of the second at 0742 hours.


The incident on the Stewartstown road is alleged to have occurred at 0130 hours on 24 July, it was reported to police at 1410 hours.


Police took approximately 25 minutes to arrive at the scene of the attack on Tullintrain Orange Hall on 14 July.


The discovery of an explosive device at the Royal Mail Sorting Office in Larne, Co. Antrim was reported at 0640 hours, police attended the scene at 0648 hours.


The incident at the Waterside area of Londonderry was reported at 0445 hours, the police arrived at the scene at 0458 hours on 29 July.


On 11 July at 0021 hours police received a report of an arson attack on St. Patrick's Church, Derriaghy, they attended the scene at 0049 hours. On the same date at 0328 hours a report was received that St. Patrick's Church, Lisburn had been attacked. The police arrived some minutes later.


On 7 June the RUC received a report at 0812 hours following the discovery of a pipe bomb in the grounds of St. Mary's Primary School, Ballymena. They arrived at the scene at 0815 hours.


Police responded within minutes to a report of an arson attack in North Belfast on 7 July.


Police received a report of an attack on a church in Moneymore, Co. Londonderry at 0235 hours on 28 July. They arrived at the scene at 0301 hours having first checked the authenticity of the telephone call.


Police received a report of an assault in Ballymoney at 2339 hours on 15 July. They attended the scene at 2341 hours.


At 0430 hours on 4 July police received a report of an attack on Warrenpoint Orange Hall, they attended the scene at approximately 0434 hours.


At 0324 hours on 8 July police received a report following an attack on a shop in Carrickfergus, they arrived on the scene at 0330 hours.


A report was received at 0750 hours on 16 June of the discovery of a pipe bomb in the grounds of St. Mary's Primary School, Newtownbutler. The RUC attended at 0813 hours. The school had not opened. The police operation terminated at 1240 hours.

With regard to some of the incidents it is possible that parades may have contributed to heightened tensions in that area, in other incidents parades are thought not to have had any bearing.

In some of these incidents the police have not established a motive or reached a conclusion as to the perpetrators. Other incidents are believed to have been sectarian, and some were probably carried out by paramilitaries.

I understand that proceedings are pending against six people. In respect of one incident a file was forwarded to the DPP, however the suspect was subsequently found dead (no crime is suspected), and the police are not seeking anyone else in respect of this offence. In the other cases investigations are either ongoing or they remain open but are dependent on further information becoming available.

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Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) pipe bomb and (b) petrol attacks took place in (i) Nationalist and (ii) Loyalist areas over the weekend of Friday 3 June to Sunday 5 June; in each case, how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what damage was caused; what injuries were sustained by the victims; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation. [95391]

Mr. Ingram: There were six bombing incidents during the weekend of 4-6 June as follows:

4 June at Castlewellan Road, Hilltown. Reported at 2336 hours. Police attended the scene at 2355 hours. Windows damaged. No injuries. Perpetrators believed to be Loyalist. Investigation continuing.


5 June at Clandeboye Gardens, Belfast. Reported at 0044 hours. Police attended the scene at 0053 hours. No damage. No injuries. Perpetrators believed to be Loyalist. Investigation continuing.


5 June at Corcrain Drive, Portadown. Reported at 0053 hours. Police attended the scene at 0056 hours. Fatal injuries. Perpetrators believed to be Loyalist. Murder investigation continuing.


5 June at Westland Road, Portadown. Following up inquiries into the attack at Corcrain Drive, police discovered the scene of another blast at 0109 hours. A lounge window was broken. No injuries. Perpetrators believed to be Loyalist. Investigation continuing.


5 June at St Matthew's Court, Belfast. Reported at 1257 hours. Police attended the scene at 1307 hours. No damage. No injuries. Perpetrators believed to be Loyalist. Investigation continuing.


6 June at Acacia Avenue, Belfast. Reported at 1329 hours. Police attended the scene at 1357 hours. Minor damage caused to brickwork below a living room window. No injuries. Perpetrators believed to be Loyalist. Investigation continuing.

There were four petrol bomb attacks during the same period as follows:

5 June at Windsor Avenue, Lurgan. Police vehicle attacked. No damage. No injuries. No offender identified.


5 June at Windsor Avenue, Lurgan. At 1652 hours police reported petrol bombs being thrown in a car park. A car was damaged. There were no injuries. It is believed that the perpetrators were from a Nationalist background. No one was identified.


5 June at Lisnahull Park, Dungannon. The injured party reported at 1303 hours on 11 June that a petrol bomb had been thrown at her home on 5 June. Police attended the scene at 1405 hours. A week had elapsed and damage appeared restricted to scorch marks to an area of pavement and to a wall. No injuries were reported. Perpetrators or their community affiliation are unknown. Investigation continuing.

6 June at Campbell Walk/Levin Road, Lurgan. A police unit was attacked. No damage. No injuries. No one was identified.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the RUC took following the report of attacks on residential properties in the Markets area of Belfast on 8 July; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what is his estimate of the damage to property; what record exists of similar incidents in that area; what bearing controversial parades have on these actions; what conclusions he has reached so far on the number and community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation. [95384]

Mr. Ingram: There are no records of such attacks on or around 8 July.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the RUC took (1) following reports of intimidation of Mr. James McCarry by masked

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men outside his home in Ballycastle, County Antrim on 17 June; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what damage was done and what injuries were caused; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95386]

(2) following an early morning petrol bomb attack on 2 June at a home on Moorlough Road, Strabane, County Tyrone; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what damage was caused; what injuries were sustained by the victims; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95389]

(3) following a reported attack in the Brompton Park Estate in North Belfast on 26 June; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what damage was caused; what injuries were sustained by the victims; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95387]

(4) on 1 June following an attack on two men when a stolen car mounted the pavement outside the Royal Bar at Sandy Row in South Belfast; how long it took for police to arrive on the scene; what injuries were sustained by the victims; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation; [95388]

(5) following an early morning blast bomb attack on 5 June at the home of Elizabeth O'Neill in Portadown; how long it took police to arrive on the scene; what damage was caused; what injuries were sustained by the victims; what conclusions he has reached so far on the community affiliation of the perpetrators; and what is the present stage of the investigation. [95390]

Mr. Ingram: The dates given in two of the questions appear to be inaccurate. These incidents have all been thoroughly investigated by the police. They include assault, intimidation, damage to property and, most seriously, the murder of Mrs. Elizabeth O'Neill during the course of an attack on her home in Portadown on 5 June.

The time taken for the RUC to arrive at the scene in the incidents requested is as follows:

The RUC received a report at 2219 hours on 16 June regarding an incident in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, they arrived on the scene at 2226 hours.


The RUC received a report in respect of a petrol bombing at a home in Moorlough road, Strabane at 0232 hours on 1 June, they arrived on the scene at 0240 hours.


A number of emergency calls were made on the morning of 26 June, the first was received at 0450 hours and the police arrived at the scene at approximately 0454 hours. A number of further calls were received and units from other areas attended a series of incidents involving groups of Catholics and Protestants in the Brompton Park Estate area of Belfast.


An alleged assault in the Sandy Row area of Belfast was reported to the RUC at 2203 hours on 1 June, they arrived at the scene at 2205 hours.


The incident involving the attack on the home and murder of Elizabeth O'Neill was reported at 0053 hours on 5 June, police attended the scene at 0056 hours.

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In respect of these incidents the police have either not established a definitive motive or they believe the motive to have been sectarian. Police believe the attack on the home and murder of Elizabeth O'Neill to have been carried out by a Loyalist grouping.

I understand, in relation to the incidents raised, a file in respect of two people has been sent to the DPP, the murder investigation is still ongoing and the other investigations remain open but are subject to additional information becoming available.

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