Mallon: Disgraceful hijacking of public bus by cowards

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has condemned those responsible for hijacking a bus in Newtownards this morning.

Minister Nichola Mallon

Minister Mallon said: 

“Today’s attack on Translink by two masked men is disgraceful. Two masked men forced their way on to a bus and set it alight. Thankfully no one was hurt in this incident but those responsible for this attack need to stop now.

“I utterly condemn this cowardly act. Our transport workers are frontline public workers who provide a critical community service, those who seek to instil fear into the lives of ordinary people are criminals and nothing else.

“My thoughts are with the bus driver who was subject to this attack. All bus drivers deserve to feel safe as they go about their job. These public servants, men and women, are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. They transport our health workers to hospitals, all of us to and from work, children to school, they are a fundamental part of our society. They deserve to be safe and they deserve our respect and gratitude. The cowards who attacked it have done nothing more than attack their own community.

“My Department and Translink are working closely with the PSNI and we stand firmly with our transport workers against all threats, violence and intimidation.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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