Community outraged by RIRA attacks

By Freya McClements BBC News

One end of the cordon in Drumleck Drive on Friday morning

It's a scene residents in Drumleck Drive and Kylemore Park thought they had left behind them.

This morning parts of both areas are cordoned off, and armed police stand guard beside the blue and white tape.

The Real IRA has claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on the home of a Catholic policeman's relatives.

In Drumleck Drive, a device exploded outside the home of his parents home, while in Kylemore Park about a dozen houses were evacuated after a device was left at his sister's home.

Neighbours returning from Mass in Steelstown were united in their condemnation of the attacks.

One woman, who gave her name only as Anne, said everyone in the area sent their sympathies to the policeman's family.

"I think it's terrible we can't live in peace.

What's it going to do to other families that have sons and daughters involved in the police? Resident

"To think everyone is trying to bring the two sides together, and this happens.

"It must be awful for the family, and I'm just glad there was nobody hurt.

"The people who do this just don't want peace," she said.

Her neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said everyone was "in shock".

"This is a good community, we're like a big family here, these are good people living here, and it's terrible what's been done to them.

"There is no support for these dissidents whatsoever."

Anne agreed.

"I know he was working for the police, and my heart goes out to the family, there must have been an anxiety there.

Small pieces of debris can still be seen outside the house in Drumleck Drive

"If it was me or my sons, I'd be down on my knees praying.

"What's it going to do to other families that have sons and daughters involved in the police?

"I know another family who had somebody in the police, he's retired now, but they went through a lot, they were living in fear because they never knew what was coming to their door.

"It's terrible that we have to live with this," she said.

Another woman explained that she had known the policeman's mother since they were girls.

"I've known that family all their lives, and they're very good people, very genuine people.

"They don't deserve anything like that, but then nobody does.

"Unfortunately it's just the times we live in."

They all said they hoped it wouldn't drive the family out of their home.

"They're a good strong family, there are eight or nine of them, and they have good faith, so I would say they'll all stick together.

"It would be disastrous if they left this area, they've been here all their lives and they shouldn't have to go anywhere."

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