Terry Spence.
An attempt to kill police officers in Derry has been described as an act of “premeditated madness” carried out by “maniacs,” the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has said.
Officers were fortunate to escape injury when the armoured window on the driver’s side of their unmarked silver 4×4 was hit twice as it was being driven along Westland Street, close to the Bogside Inn, in the early hours of the morning.
Dissident republicans are being blamed for the attack.
Terry Spence, PFNI chairman, said the perpetrators were engaged in an “act of premeditated madness” and were out to cause maximum damage.
He added: “They have zero to offer this community except heartache and pain, and they deserve to be shunned.
“These maniacs have to be apprehended to prevent them from carrying out further attacks on the police.
“They belong to a bygone age and have no place in today’s society.”
“Currently, the threat level is ranked as ‘severe’ and I would appeal to our members to exercise increased vigilance as they go about their work protecting this entire community or when they are off-duty.”
Justice Minister David Ford said the attack was a “clear attempt” to kill police officers and was to be “unreservedly condemned.”
He added: “Whoever carried out this attack in a residential area had no regard for the local community and have absolutely nothing positive to offer.
“I would urge anyone with information about this attack to pass it on to the PSNI on the 101 number or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 111 555.”
Tags: