Shots fired at police car `mindless, reckless attempt to kill officers`
A gun attack on police officers in which up to eight shots were fired has been condemned as a “mindless, reckless attempt to kill officers”.
A gun attack on police officers in which up to eight shots were fired has been condemned as a “mindless, reckless attempt to kill officers”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is treating the incident as attempted murder.
It is believed seven or eight shots were fired by a military assault rifle, possibly an AK47, at a police car in the incident in west Belfast.
A number struck the passenger side of a police car parked at Rossnareen Avenue, Andersonstown, at about 6.50pm on Thursday (November 26).
Two officers who were in the car were not injured but were said to have been “badly shaken”.
The PSNI described the attacks as a “mindless, reckless attempt to kill officers”.
Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said the police car`s armour-plating and bullet-proof glass had stopped the officers from being seriously injured or killed.
He added: “This will not deter these officers or their colleagues from providing a much-needed and increasingly valued police service in west Belfast.
“We will review our procedures in light of this gun attack, but we will not be deterred from providing a comprehensive and community-based policing service.
“Those who believe that trying to kill officers will achieve anything are deluded.”
Police are investigating whether a car found burning in the Beechmount area was connected to the attack.
Chief Supt Grimshaw said the officers had been carrying out duties in relation to recent serious crime in the area.
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson 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.”
The province`s Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, said Thursday`s attack was “shocking”.
“The people behind this despicable crime will rightly attract condemnation from right across the community,” she said.
Justice Minister David Ford described it as appalling: “This was clearly an attempt to kill police officers serving the community.
“Those responsible for this cowardly act have also shown absolutely no regard for local residents. I am very thankful that no-one was injured.”