A "MAFIA-style" attempt to murder an off-duty PSNI officer close to the border is being linked to "organised criminals" by senior detectives.
The police officer, who is understood to be a young man, was confronted at the front door of his home in the Rosscah/Crevenish Road area of Kesh, Co Fermanagh at around 2am yesterday.
Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said he "noticed movement outside his property (and) upon opening his front door to investigate, the officer was confronted by a masked male aiming a shotgun at him".
The suspect was dressed entirely in black and made off on foot across nearby fields close to the local football club.
The officer is not believed to have been injured.
"We firmly believe that this disturbing incident was a failed attempt to kill a local police officer," Ms Mullan said.
"There are no words to describe those who would creep through the dark of night with nothing but death and destruction on their minds."
She said detectives are "keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this attack", but added "a primary line of enquiry is that organised criminal elements may be responsible".
Police Federation for Northern Ireland chairman Mark Lindsay condemned the "appalling and cowardly act".
He said the officer was "fortunate to escape unhurt" and has been left "badly shaken by the shocking experience of being confronted by a gunman on his doorstep".
"There should be no place for this type of Mafia-style behaviour," Mr Lindsay said.
"This is gangsterism at its worst and the entire community needs to reject those who would think nothing of murdering a police officer and delivering untold heartache and pain to his family."
Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin branded it "cowardly", and reiterated "the involvement of organised criminals is a primary line of enquiry".
DUP leader Arlene Foster who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone said it had been a "brazen" and "outrageous attack".
"It is a reminder of the threat and danger that police officers face on a daily basis as they try to protect our community," she said.
UUP Kesh councillor John McClaughry said the young officer was from a "well-respected family in the area" and would "have felt himself safe" in the quiet village which is around five miles from the border.
"It is a terrible that this has come to his door in such a personal way and it will take some time for him to come to terms with it."
Ms Mullan appealed for information and help from "the people of Kesh and further afield in identifying this would-be killer", asking in particular for any dashcam footage.
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