NEWTOWNARDS: Masked and armed loyalists hijack Translink bus before setting it alight

By Q Radio news

A Translink bus has been hijacked and set on fire in Newtownards in county Down.

Police say it happened in the Abbot Drive area around 6.30 this morning.

Two masked and armed men boarded the bus and poured fuel over the vehicle before setting it alight.

The driver managed to get off the bus unharmed but has been left badly shaken by the incident.

A Translink bus has been hijacked and set on fire by loyalists in Newtownards in county Down.https://t.co/UjU8hcsOuN

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 1, 2021

A Translink spokesperson said: “At approximately 6.30 this morning, a service 7a bus was making its first stop at Abbot Drive in Newtownards when it was boarded by two armed and masked men.

“They ordered the driver off the bus, before pouring flammable liquid on the bottom deck and setting it alight.

“No passengers had yet boarded the bus and the driver was unharmed, although understandably shocked. He is being offered the appropriate supports.

“We utterly condemn this attack on our driver and bus.”

The DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has condemned “thuggery and terrorism” behind the bus hijacking.

Loyalists have claimed the hijacking and petrol bombing was carried out to coincide with a deadline set by the DUP to resolve issues around the NI protocol. 

The UUP's Mike Nesbitt has also said there could be no excuse for the attack.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information in relation to it, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 444 of 01/11/21.

A report can be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org