Drivers not prepared to continue bus services to area following apparently targeted petrol bomb attack

July 11th: Michael Dornan, Unite chair for Metro drivers, has confirmed workers are refusing to provide bus services to the Lagmore View area of Belfast in the aftermath of a petrol bomb attack on Saturday last (July 9^th):

“On Saturday at 10.22pm, a Metro bus was attacked by an individual who threw a petrol bomb at the vehicle.

“The attack put at risk the life of the driver and passengers on board. They were lucky on this occasion but such a mindless act could have caused a major accident affecting other road vehicles or the wider community.

“Sadly, attacks on buses are an all too common occurrence in Northern Ireland but this attack is particularly sinister.

“From our review of the CCTV capture of this incident this morning, it appears the attack was premeditated and we believe may have targeted the driver concerned. All relevant information has been passed on to the relevant authorities for investigation.

“At present, drivers are not prepared to return to the Lagmore View area to provide a bus service. We apologise for the inconvenience that this will cause the community in that area but we have to prioritise safety at this time”, Mr Dornan concluded.