PFNI calls for all-out community offensive again terrorists

Dissident republican terrorists who mounted three separate attempts to murder PSNI Officers in Derry-Londonderry this week have been described as ‘a pitiless, heartless bunch of cowards’ by the head of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland.

PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, who represents rank-and-file Officers up to the rank of Chief Inspector, has also called for an all-out community offensive to take back the streets from the gangsters.

Mr Lindsay said: “Six shots from an automatic weapon followed by a total of four viable devices aimed at Officers, show how there is a planned, viscous and orchestrated plan by terrorists whose sole aim is to murder the people I represent.

“Only through the professionalism and courage of our men and women was a tragedy averted. In the teeth of such attacks, our Officers continued to safeguard people and maintain the rule of law, and that is the tribute to their focused and unwavering dedication and determination.

“The terrorists who skulk in the shadows get children – some no older than twelve – to do their dirty work by firing petrol bombs, bricks and bottles at Police lines. Once the Police engage, the bomber and gunman take control and they really don’t care who gets in the way or who is hurt in their indiscriminate attacks.

“This is child abuse. Young, vulnerable kids are encouraged to riot and cause mayhem so that the bomber and gunman can gain a better vantage position. It is sickening what they are doing.

“Many in the Bogside have voted with their feet to reject these mindless thugs, and I applaud their actions. There must be an all-out community offensive to rid this particular community, and others, of the scourge of paramilitarism. The same message holds true for areas blighted by so-called loyalist paramilitaries.

“I know the PSNI will do all it can to assist communities. People deserve a better future than the one terrorists offer. The time to make a stand is now, for the sake of all our futures.”