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PSNI arrests man after officer shot in Belfast attack

The attack happened on the Crumlin Road in North Belfast
The attack happened on the Crumlin Road in North Belfast

The PSNI says it has arrested a man after an officer was shot in the arm during a drive-by attack in north Belfast.

The officer was shot and wounded at the Edenderry petrol station on the Crumlin Road at around 7.30pm yesterday evening.

It is understood a number of shots were fired at police officers from a passing car. One of the PSNI officers was hit once in the arm.

The officer is described as being in a stable condition in hospital, where he is undergoing surgery.

The PSNI says it has arrested a man in North Belfast.

Police said the attack was a concerted attempt to murder officers and its main line of inquiry is violent dissident republicans.

The attack has been met with widespread condemnation from politicians on both sides of the border.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny criticised the shooting as "cowardly".

"I utterly condemn this outrageous and cowardly act. Anyone with any relevant information should pass it on to the PSNI immediately. I hope the officer involved makes a full and swift recovery," said Mr Kenny.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: "The PSNI have worked hard to engage with communities across the political divide over the last decade. Dissidents will not be allowed to undermine this good work through acts of violence."

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said: "This is a stark reminder that there are still those on this island who want to set aside the democratically expressed will of all the people on this island, and engage in a senseless and barbaric campaign of terrorist violence." 

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "I hope that the injured officer will make a full and speedy recovery.

"Those responsible for this attack are the same people who are attacking the local community. They have absolutely nothing to offer society and need to call a halt to these activities immediately," added Mr Kelly.

Mark Lindsay, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, said: "This is an appalling act and I wish to condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

"This attack on the life of an officer is a stark reminder of the determination on the part of terrorists to murder and maim police officers," said Mr Lindsay.

Dissident republicans opposed to peace have killed police, prison officers and soldiers in the past.

The attack comes as Northern Ireland prepares for fresh elections after the collapse of power-sharing.

Former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in protest over a botched green energy scheme which is predicted to leave taxpayers millions out of pocket.

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