Shots hit PSNI vehicle in Derry
Police have described a gun attack on a PSNI vehicle in Londonderry as “totally reckless”.
Two shots hit the Land Rover as it was patrolling in the Westland Street area of the city, close to the Bogside Inn, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A window was damaged but no-one was injured in the incident.
Police said the type of gunfire is not yet known and one line of enquiry is that the attack was planned and carried out by dissident republicans.
A spokesperson added: “The nature of the damage to a window of the Land Rover was established only after a detailed ballistic examination”.
Anyone who saw the incident, which happened at around 1am, has been asked to come forward.
Superintendent Garry Eaton, said: “It is fortunate that we are not speaking about deaths or injuries today. Members of the crew were kept safe by protective equipment on the vehicle, however if the shots had missed, then anyone walking or standing on the street could have been hit.
“The officers were carrying out normal patrolling to keep the community safe.
“Those who organised and carried out the attack were totally reckless and showed total disregard for the lives of people in that community. Despite this incident; we remain committed to providing the people of Derry with the type of positive and dedicated policing that they ask and expect of us.”
Local Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has condemned the incident.
He said: “This gun attack in a built up area such as the Bogside was totally reckless. Westland Street is a busy thoroughfare and this attack put the lives of many people at risk.
“Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but we could have been faced with a tragedy.
“Those behind this attack have nothing to offer society and are not representative of the people of Derry. They need to immediately desist from these futile actions.”
The Police Federation described it as “an act of premeditated madness”.
Chairman Terry Spence said: “The police vehicle was struck twice in the attack on Westland Road. The officers were protected by the bulletproof glass which was shattered in the incident.
“The perpetrators were engaged in an act of premeditated madness and were out to cause maximum damage. It was futile, reckless and utterly pointless.
“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.”
Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly added: “Our police officers were lucky to have escaped injury in this cowardly attack.
“I join with the others in calling for information to be brought to the police and welcome the condemnation of this incident from political and community representatives in the area.”
Information can be passed to the PSNI via the non-emergency number 101.
