Northern Ireland

Strabane explosion was an 'attempt to murder and maim police officers'

The security alert in Strabane is ongoing
The security alert in Strabane is ongoing The security alert in Strabane is ongoing

Three police officers escaped injury when their patrol was targeted in an explosive attack in Strabane.

A device detonated in Townsend Street in the Co Tyrone town on Tuesday night.

While detectives said it was too early to attribute blame, suspicion will focus on dissident republicans.

PSNI Chief Inspector Ivor Morton said it was "incredible" that no-one had been killed in the murder bid.

He also declined to be drawn on whether the attack was timed to coincide with the death of former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness.

"I can't speculate on what was going through the minds of whoever decided to do this, what I can say is I have no idea what they thought they were going to achieve," he said.

"It was absolutely utter madness."

Townsend Street is close to Strabane town centre and adjacent to residential areas.

"It was a deliberate targeted attack on police officers," he said.

"It is incredibly lucky today that I am not talking about the death of police officers or members of the community when you consider where that incident happened and the location and the time of night."

The chief inspector said the three officers were in "good spirits" despite the experience.

Mark Lindsay, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, said:  "The people who detoated an IED near a police patrol have nothing to offer. They are fixed firmly in the past with nothing to offer a community that is trying to build a better here and now and a more positive future.

"They peddle in misery. They are a throwback to bad times. They oppress and brutalise people and deserve to be ostracised, caught, convicted and given tough prison sentences.

"Last night, our officers escaped unhurt in a clear attempt to murder and maim. On or off duty, officers are at high alert and that situation will remain the case for the foreseeable future."

Secretary of State James Brokenshire said: “Those who planted this explosive device intended to kill or cause serious injury. Their actions put all of our community in harm’s way and their murderous intent is not reflective of wider society’s desire for peace.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland has our unstinting support and I urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.”