ENNISKILLEN has had its first thrill of armed operations by the IRA.

A big concerted attack was made by the Irish Republican Army on Enniskillen and neighbourhood in the early hours yesterday morning.

Events of a stirring and sensational character took place. The plan was to capture leading Unionists, including Mr. James Cooper, MP, and take them away.

In each case the plan failed owing to the pluck of those attacked. Unfortunately Mr. Ivan Carson, Killyreagh, Enniskillen, whose home was attacked and broken into, was wounded while defending himself by a bullet wound in the shoulder. He was kidnapped.

Mr. Cahir Healy, Sinn Fein leader, Enniskillen has been informed that he will be held personally responsible for the safe return of Mr. Carson.

The Special Constabulary were promptly alarmed, and succeeded in capturing 15 prisoners, four motor cars, and a large quantity of revolvers, bombs and ammunition.

The operation began in Enniskillen town about 1am.

Three motor cars full of IRA men halted in the Brook, opposite the private residence of Mr. Cooper, who was happily awake at the time.

Getting up, he noticed men approaching his home. One advanced towards a window on the ground floor, when Mr. Cooper called out “Who are you?”

“Simpson of Armagh” came the reply. “I don’t know you,” said Mr. Cooper, and the man thereupon rushed towards the window. Mr. Cooper gave the challenge “Hands up”, and with that the man turned to run, but Mr. Cooper emptied the contents of both barrels of a double-barrelled gun in the man, who was wounded.

The alarm was sounded, and neighbours in their bare feet and only clothed in trousers and shirts ran to the Special Constabulary, in the Castle Barracks, and told what had occurred.