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Man Charged After Hijacked Driver Delivers Failed Lurgan Bomb

5/8/2026

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A driver was hijacked and forced to deliver a crude bomb to Lurgan police station, which failed to detonate.
Police continue searches in the Lurgan area.
A 48-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder, hijacking and possession of explosives linked to the March 31 attack.
A teenager and a 39-year-old woman arrested were released, with the woman scheduled to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on June 3.

History

Historical Context

On 21 July 1972 the Provisional IRA detonated at least 20 bombs in Belfast, killing nine and wounding 130 civilians, prompting a massive British Army presence that year. Decades later, on 31 March 2024 a 48-year-old was charged at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court for hijacking a driver to deliver a crude bomb to Lurgan police station, echoing the IRA’s historic bombing campaign.

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Story summary

A driver was hijacked and forced to deliver a crude bomb to Lurgan police station, which failed to detonate.
Police continue searches in the Lurgan area.
A 48-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder, hijacking and possession of explosives linked to the March 31 attack.
A teenager and a 39-year-old woman arrested were released, with the woman scheduled to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on June 3.

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