Northern Ireland attacks were work of 'evil', says MP
4:33pm Monday 9th March 2009 in Where I Live By Elizabeth Pears
Saddened: Tottenham MP David Lammy has condemned the attack on 21-year-old soldier Patrick Azimkar
Tottenham MP David Lammy has spoken out following the death of a murdered Wood Green soldier.
Mr Lammy was contacted by the Ministry of Defence earlier today after the identity of 21-year-old Sapper Patrick Azimkar was released.
The promising young soldier, whose family live not far from Mr Lammy, was one of two soldiers killed in the brutal attack in Antrim, Northern Ireland, on Saturday.
A group of gunmen descended upon the base and both men died at the scene.
Four others, two of whom were civilians, were also injured in the ambush.
Mr Lammy said: "This murderous incident has shocked and saddened the nation and was made even more poignant to me when it became clear a young life from Haringey had been taken.
"The attack on Saturday was a callous act, committed by murderers whose sole aim was to brutally take human life and disrupt the peace process.
"We will not allow these evil few to roll back the gains made in Northern Ireland and I hope these killers will be swiftly caught and brought to justice."
He added his thoughts were with the family and friends of Patrick Azimkar.
Police in Northen Ireland who are investigating the incident have launched an appeal for information about a Green Vauxhall Cavalier they believe was used by the gunmen.
The car, registration number TDZ 7309, was abandoned seven miles from the scene of the shooting. It was discovered shortly after 11pm on Saturday night.
The car is being examined by Army bomb disposal officers and a forensics teams.
Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson, head of Northern Ireland Police's Serious Crime Branch, said: "We have a dedicated team of officers working tirelessly on this case. One line of enquiry is the green Cavalier.
"Detectives are putting everything into this investigation. We have been heartened and encouraged by the universal words of condemnation which have come from our political and community leaders.
"But words on their own are not enough. We need tangible community support in the form of information if we are going to catch these killers
"There are people in our community, particularly the republican community, who know who did this. I wonder how they can live with that knowledge. I'm sure the families of the two soldiers are wondering.
"If they are frightened, we will protect them. They should have the support of everyone if they come forward. But they do need to come forward.
"It is important to remember in all the media coverage and the political reaction to what has happened that we are dealing with a cold-blooded attempt at mass murder which has left two young men dead and four other men seriously injured.
"That is the reality of what has happened."
Haringey Mayor Councillor Alan Dobbie also offered his sympathy to the young solider's family.
He said: "This is a very sad loss, and I am sure the whole of the borough will join with me in offering our sincere condolences to Patrick's family, and to his friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
