Gun attack on PSNI officers in west Belfast 'bore hallmarks of dissident republicans'

A GUN attack on two police officers in west Belfast bore all the hallmarks of a dissident republican operation, a senior police officer has said.

Up to eight shots were fired at the officers as they sat in an unmarked car in the Rossnareen Avenue area of Andersonstown shortly before 7pm on Thursday.

Several rounds hit the passenger side of the car, but both officers escaped unhurt. Police are treating the attack as attempted murder.

Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said police believe the gunman made off in a Black BMW 3 Series which was waiting in Tullagh Park.

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"The vehicle which was bearing false numberplates, 05 C 24774, was subsequently found abandoned on fire at Cluain More Drive in west Belfast", he said.

CS Grimshaw described the shooting as a mindless and reckless attempt to kill.

Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme he said: "It certainly does bear the hallmarks of dissident republican violence in recent times.

"People took a premeditated decision to step out into a residential area last night and bring some serious weaponry into play and fire shots at police officers."

Mr Grimshaw declined to comment on speculation that a Kalashnikov rifle had been used in the ambush.

Police are treating it as attempted murder, he said.

"This was a mindless and reckless attempt to kill police officers who were carrying out routine duties as part of an investigation into serious crime," he said. "Thankfully it failed."

Mr Grimshaw said a review of procedures would be carried out in the wake of the attack but officers would not be put off carrying out their daily duties.

He added: "This will not deter these officers or their colleague in providing a much-needed and increasingly valued police service in West Belfast.

"Those who believe that trying to kill officers will achieve anything are deluded."

Last week a member of the Travelling community was critically injured after he was shot in the head in the same area.

A car with Cork registration plates was later found burnt out in Cluain Mor Drive in the Springfield area of west Belfast.

It remained unclear on Thursday night whether the burnt out car was linked to the shooting.

The attack comes just a week after Martin Gavin, believed to be a member of the Travelling community, was shot in the head in Rossnareen Avenue.

The attack has been condemned by Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey, who said it was fortunate there were no fatalities.

He said: "This attack happened in the early evening in a busy area and could have killed or seriously injured anyone in the area at the time.

"Thankfully, no-one was injured, but it was a frightening experience for people in the area.

"Those responsible have nothing to offer the community, they do not speak for local people and need to end these reckless and futile actions immediately. We will not allow them to drag us back to the past."

SDLP councillor Tim Attwood said: "It is a shocking incident that officers who have an important job in protecting our community and carrying out investigations into serious crime have been attacked on a dark night in west Belfast."

He added: "The officers are very shaken by the incident and the whole community condemns any violence. They were in an armoured car which has saved their lives. These are officers who were doing their job and they should not have been targeted in this way."

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson has added his condemnation.

He said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with the officers targeted in Belfast. A futile act which could have resulted in carnage for anyone in the vicinity."

Debbie Watters, vice chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, said: "I'm thankful that the officers in the police car escaped without injury but this was certainly not the intent of those responsible.

"People in the community could have got caught up in this attack and it just shows the complete disregard that these people have for the area."

Sinn Fein MP for the area, Paul Maskey also condemned the gun attack.

Justice Minister David Ford described the attack as "appalling".

He said: "This was clearly an attempt to kill police officers serving the community.

"Those responsible for this cowardly act have shown absolutely no regard for local residents. I am very thankful that no one was injured."

Ross Hussey MLA, Ulster Unionist Policing spokesperson, condemned those who carried out the gun attack.

Mr Hussey said: "This was a cowardly attack on officers serving the community.

"Terrorism is terrorism wherever it occurs. I am thankful that the officers escaped injury, but it could have been a whole lot worse.

"The reckless nature of this attack meant that anyone in the vicinity could have been killed or injured.

“Not only were police officers put at risk, but so were members of the local community.

"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible so that the perpetrators can be brought before the courts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI on 101.