Attempt to murder PSNI officers in west Belfast

A PSNI patrol has come under gun attack in west Belfast in an incident which the police are treating as attempted murder.

Police said eight shots were fired at a police car which was parked in Rossnareen Avenue in Andersonstown shortly before 7pm on Thursday with several rounds hitting the passenger side of the vehicle.

The two officers in the car were “badly shaken” but neither was physically injured.

While nobody has yet admitted responsibility, the likeliest suspects are dissident republicans.

Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said the attack was a "reckless and mindless attempt to kill police officers who were carrying out routine duties as part of an investigation into recent serious crime in the area".

The officer appealed to anyone with information about the attack to bring it to the police. “This will not deter these police officers or their colleagues providing a much-needed and increasingly valued police service in west Belfast,” he added.

“We remain determined to work with communities to keep people safe. We are equally determined to provide the fullest protection to our officers when they are on duty,” said Chief Supt Grimshaw.

He said police would review their procedures following the attack but would “not be deterred from providing a comprehensive and community based policing service”.

He added: “Those who believe trying to kill our officers will achieve anything are deluded.”

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey said the attack was "totally wrong". He said it could have killed or seriously injured anyone in the area.

“Thankfully no one was injured but it was a frightening experience for people in the area. I spoke to people living nearby following this attack and they are rightly angry at what happened,” he added.

“Those responsible have nothing to offer the community, they do not speak for local people and need to end these reckless and futile actions immediately. We will not allow them to drag us back to the past,” said Mr Maskey.

The Northern Secretary Theresa Villiers said the attack was shocking.

“The people behind this despicable crime will rightly attract condemnation from right across the community.

“I urge anyone with information to contact the police,” she said.

The North’s Minister of Justice David Ford said the attack “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.”

Mr Ford also urged anyone with information to pass it to the PSNI.