Bishop Hegarty condemns attacks in Claudy

14 Sep 2011

Statement by Bishop Hegarty on attacks on a serving police officer and retired general practitioner

I take this opportunity to add my voice to that of all right thinking people who have condemned the attacks on the police officer and the retired general practitioner in the Claudy area earlier today.  These senseless acts offer nothing but pain and misery to both the intended victims and the wider community.

In condemning the attack on the police officer I take the opportunity to acknowledge the courage of the many young people who have joined the PSNI and hope that despite the threat to their lives, family and homes they will continue in the very noble vocation of serving the community in PSNI.

I call on anyone with information on these crimes to contact the police.

I ask those who would consider engaging in such cowardly activities to instead join with the many people who are working to make our community and the island of Ireland a better place for all people.

ENDS

Issued by Fr Michael Canny on behalf of Bishop Seamus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry.  For further information please contact the Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth, 00 353 (1) 5053017.