The scene this morning in east Belfast after a bomb exploded under a prison officer’s van
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has condemned those who carried out this morning’s bomb attack on a prison officer and expressed sympathy with the victim and his family.
The 52-year-old warder cheated death in the attack while drive his van through east Belfast at 7.10 am.
He is now under armed guard in hospital where his injuries are said to be serious but not life threatening.
The SDLP FOyle MLA said: “As well as being a direct attempt to kill a prison officer this morning, the thugs and criminals who carried out this vicious murder attempt are attacking everyone who lives on this island.
“They need to understand that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us and the first generation brought up in peace will not stand for it.
“My thoughts and prayers and that of all party members are with the victim and his family during what must be an incredibly distressing time.
“These people claim to be in conflict with the British government, the British Army or the PSNI but they are not.
“Their fight is with the people of Ireland who have overcome the bombs and bullets of violent thugs in the past and are resolved never to allow it to happen again,” added the SDLP leader.
