Two dead in terror shooting

A MASSIVE security operation was under way today after two soldiers were shot dead outside an army barracks in Northern Ireland.

Four other people were seriously injured after gunmen fired two bursts of automatic fire outside the Massereene Barracks in Antrim last night.

The victims were understood to be taking delivery of a pizza when the attackers pulled up in a vehicle and opened fire.

Blamed

No-one has yet claimed responsibility for the shooting, but dissident republicans opposed to the peace process were immediately blamed.

It happened just 36 hours after Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde confirmed that undercover soldiers had been called in to carry out surveillance operations on dissidents amid warnings that the threat against his officers and military personnel was at its highest for almost a decade.

The gunmen’s car or van pulled up outside the barracks’ main gates shortly before 10pm while soldiers and security staff were taking delivery, it is understood. Police said the pizza delivery staff were not involved in the attack.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward condemned the shooting as an “act of criminal barbarism”.

He said: “My thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured in this murderous attack. The Prime Minister is being kept closely informed.

“The contrast between those who serve the community and those who would destroy it could not be clearer.

“The people who did this will be pursued and they can be assured that they will never be able stop political progress in Northern Ireland.”

Downing Street added: “This is a terrible incident that we utterly condemn and the Prime Minister’s thoughts, first and foremost, are with the families of those killed and with those seriously injured in this attack.

“In recent days action has been taken to increase security in Northern Ireland. This is because of the increased threat from those who, even at this late stage, wish to ignore the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Northern Ireland and attempt to derail the peace process.

“The full facts of this incident are being investigated. We will do everything we can to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

Witnesses reported hearing two long busts of gunfire as a car drove by the barracks - home to 38 Engineer Regiment.

At least six ambulances and three paramedic vehicles rushed to the scene as emergency sirens blared from inside the complex.

The injured were taken to Antrim Area Hospital, about a mile away.

The area around the barracks has been sealed off with a massive security operation under way.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said: “It is with deep regret that we confirm the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to four other persons in an attack at Massereene Barracks in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

“The next of kin are being informed and further information will be released in due course. The circumstances and details of the attack are currently under investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).”