Dissident republicans have been blamed for a car bomb attack in Northern Ireland in which a Catholic police officer was critically injured.
The 33-year-old married constable was undergoing emergency surgery in hospital after the device detonated under his vehicle in Co Antrim as he drove to work early this morning.
The Irish speaking officer, who is a Gaelic games enthusiast, was on his way to work in west Belfast when the bomb went off at around 6.30am about half a mile from his home in Milltown Road, near Randalstown.
Appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area last night to come forward, Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson branded the attackers ‘faceless cowardly thugs’.
‘They skulked under the cover of darkness to try and kill or injure this officer,’ he said.
‘It's too early to know exactly who was responsible but it's likely to have been dissident republicans.’
The car bomb went off just miles from Antrim town, where two British soldiers were murdered outside the Massereene barracks by the Real IRA last March.
Putting his current personal problems to one side, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson joined Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness to condemn the attack.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Mr Robinson said: ‘This is a cowardly, evil act against a man committed to defending the free society we all enjoy.
‘I have said in the past that those who perpetrate such attacks will not succeed in returning Northern Ireland to the dark days of the past. I remain steadfastly committed to upholding that promise. There is only one path forward - that of peace and democracy.’
Sinn Fein representative Mr McGuinness added: ‘The man injured today in this attack contributes positively to the community.
‘He is an active member of the GAA and an Irish speaker. He serves the community as a member of the PSNI.
‘The people who carried out this attack make no contribution. These actions serve no purpose and will not further any cause.
‘My thoughts are with the injured man and his family. I pray he makes a full recovery.’
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, also hit out at those responsible.
‘Today's attack is an act of senseless violence,’ he said.
‘The people of Ireland have clearly demonstrated their wish for peace and to work through the democratic process.
‘This criminal action by a tiny minority is an attack on all of the people of this country.
‘They will not succeed in deflecting us from the path of peace on this island.
‘I look forward to seeing the perpetrators of this heinous act being brought swiftly to justice.’
Northern Ireland Security Minister Paul Goggins said: ‘This vile attack will sicken people across Northern Ireland.
‘I applaud the work the PSNI are doing to make our towns and cities safer. That work is in stark contrast to those who tried to murder this officer.
‘Those who planted this device are to be condemned and anyone with information should bring it to the PSNI so that those responsible can be brought before the courts.’
