Craigavon bomb target related to drug dealer... arrested suspect 'lost two fingers and a thumb in blast'

Paramedics were dispatched while police searched for further evidence.

Trainor was taken to hospital for treatment to his hands and a wound to his chest.

He was arrested there the following day on suspicion of attempted murder.

Because of his severe injuries, which are not life-threatening, he has yet to be questioned.

Security sources told Sunday Life that they believed the target of the pipebomb attack was a relative of a convicted drug dealer.

Under threat from several gangs, he survived being shot three times in Craigavon a number of years ago. He fled the town afterwards.

Continuity IRA members were blamed for carrying out the contract attack, but PSNI insiders do not believe paramilitaries were linked to last week's pipebombing.

They are instead pointing the finger at a north Armagh drugs gang known locally as 'the Firm', which murdered loyalist crime boss Malcolm McKeown in nearby Waringstown last year during a turf war.

A PSNI spokesperson said the pipebomb "alert was triggered after police received a report of an explosion at the rear of a house in Enniskeen around 9.30pm on Tuesday night".

"Upon arrival, officers found a man in the vicinity of where the explosion was reported to have occurred being treated by paramedics for injuries received after the device exploded," they added.

"A number of homes were evacuated and a scene held to allow officers to examine the area fully and to ensure the safety of local residents.

"The injured man, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an explosive device with intent to endanger life, currently remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. Remnants of a pipebomb type device have been taken away for forensic examination."

DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart described the pipebombing as a "very worrying development", saying: "Those who cause hurt and disruption in our communities must be brought to justice."

Sunday Life