PSNI say barracks attack was 'premeditated murder'
A massive security operation is underway after two British soldiers were shot dead at a military base in Co. Antrim.
The soldiers, who were in their 20's, were taking delivery of a pizza at the Massareene base at approximately 9.30pm last night when gunmen pulled up in a vehicle and opened fire with automatic weapons.
The gunmen fired an initial round of shots and continued to fire as the victims lay on the ground.
Police have said that two pizza delivery men are among those seriously injured in the attack.
Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson said their inquiries are concentrating on dissident republicans.
The PSNI have also stated that the attack was a premeditated attempt at mass murder.
They are understood to be examining a vehicle found in the nearby town of Randalstown to determine if it was used in the attack.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Brian Cowen condemned the murders.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved and to the injured,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing those responsible brought swiftly to justice. We had all hoped that senseless violence was a thing of the past. Violence has been utterly rejected by the people of this island, both north and south.
“A tiny group of evil people cannot and will not undermine the will of the people of Ireland to live in peace together. ”
Minister for foreign affairs, Micheal Martin added: “Let us be clear. The targets of this attack are the Irish people, north and south.
“This is an attempt to undermine the remarkable progress of recent years. The perpetrators of this assault have no mandate. They will not be allowed to succeed. They must be brought to justice.”
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “Those who committed it are steeped in the mindset and means of past violence.
“Such terrorism achieves nothing but grief and injury for victims and shock and disgust across the community.
“So-called dissident republicans are not proving anything that we don’t know.
“We know they are opposed to peace and we know their capacity to attack, threaten, disrupt and even to kill.
“They need to understand this is not an attack on the British army but the Irish people who have voted for and value above all else peaceful politics and democratic accommodation.”
Ulster Unionist assembly member Tom Elliott said: “This has thrown Northern Ireland back to the murderous ways of the 1970’s, 80s and 90s.
“This demonstrates that there are those within our society who are determined to kill and murder for their own selfish ends.
“I have warned for several months of the severe threat that is posed by dissident republicans. It is vital that this group is not allowed to get a grip on the Northern Ireland society the same way as the Provisional IRA had done for almost 30 years. They must be immediately destroyed.
“My sympathy goes to the families of those who have been murdered and my thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured.”
