POLISH DIPLOMATS are on their way to visit the Polish pizza delivery man almost murdered during an RIRA attack on a British Army barracks in the North.
Piotr LeszczyÅ„ski, vice consul at Poland’s Consulate in Edinburgh, told Metro Éireann that 31-year-old Marcin (full name not released) has already been visited by Poland’s honorary consul in Northern Ireland.
“From the last information I received I know that his condition is stable although still heavy. But his life is no more in danger, and this is the most important thing,” said the vice consul.
Speaking last Friday, Leszczyński confirmed that he is travelling to Northern Ireland to see the injured Pole as well as another Polish national who is hospitalised.
The 7 March attack at the Massereene army base in Co Antrim – during which the gunmen exploited a Domino’s Pizza delivery to ambush the barracks – resulted in the murders of British Army engineers Patrick Azimkar (21) and Mark Quinsey (23). Four others were injured, including Marcin.
One Polish community forum in Belfast suggests that Marcin was not due to take this delivery order, but did so for a friend. Marcin was shot at least six times in the attack.
Georgina Ward from Domino’s Pizza said that Marcin’s family have asked for privacy, while local Polish representatives were refusing to comment.
“All the information regarding that man is now kept secret, as this was a terrorist attack and the matter is under serious investigation involving special services,” explained a spokes-person for the Polish Association in Northern Ireland. He confirmed that Marcin’s condition is currently stable.
The Pole is set to be moved to Queen’s Victoria Hospital in Belfast, but his full convalescence, according to diplomatic sources, will take some time.
Family asks for privacy
A statement from Marcin’s family extended “sincere sympathy” to the families of the two soldiers killed at Massereene Barracks and to the family of the PSNI officer murdered two days later by the Continuity IRA in Craigavon.
“We wish to express deep gratitude to the medical staff at the Antrim Area Hospital for all the care and attention given Marcin which has literally saved his life,” they said. “His condition is still serious but we are happy to say that he is recovering well; it is hoped that he will be back to full health in the near future.
“We also want to thank his employers Domino’s Pizza and express heartfelt appreciation to our friends and wider community for all the support and comfort they have given to us at this anxious time.”
The statement concluded: “There have been many attempts made by the national and international media to seek interviews with us. While we thank all the media networks for their concern and interest, we want to stress that we have firmly decided to decline all media interviews.”
At press time, four people were held in custody in relation to the attack.
