Police find viable bomb under female part-time officer’s car in Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Police in Northern Ireland have found a viable bomb under the vehicle of a female police officer at a rural property just outside Dungiven, Co Londonderry.
A security operation has been ongoing since yesterday on the Ballyquin Road since the discovery of the device. It is believed the officer’s car was parked close to a farm.
The PSNI tweeted that the Ballyquinn Road remains closed at the junctions with the Camnish Road and the Curragh Road. It is expected to remain closed for some time.
The finger of suspicion is likely to be pointed at dissident republicans opposed to the Northern Ireland peace process. The PSNI have been contacted for comment.
Politicians including Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and MLAs Cara Hunter and Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly condemned the attempted home attack.
Ms O’Neill tweeted: ‘The attempted murder of a police officer near Dungiven is reprehensible. Those involved in this attack will not succeed in their regressive and toxic agenda. All politicians must unite against these reckless actions.
‘We must keep building the peace for our children.’
SDLP MLA Ms Hunter said: ‘I fully condemn the attack on the private home of a serving police officer. No one should have to live in fear of going to work.
‘Our officers in the PSNI risk their lives every day protecting every community; upholding the rule of law in Northern Ireland.
‘This is an attack on the community, and actions of these people are not welcome in our society. My thoughts are with the officer and their family.’
Mr Kelly said: ‘The discovery of a device under the car of a young female officer near Dungiven is disgraceful and I condemn it utterly.
‘Thankfully she wasn’t hurt but we could have been facing a very different scenario.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.