PFNI condemns ‘act of pure evil’

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has described as ‘an act of pure evil’ attempts made on the lives of Officers in the Bogside last night.

PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, said: “Shots fired at our Officers show the clear intent of those who have been orchestrating days of petrol bombing and assaults in Derry/Londonderry.

“The young people used to assault Officers are being callously and coldly used by the dissident republican murder gangs who have murder as their main objective.

“Young people who throw petrol bombs or bricks or bottles need to know there will be consequences for them. As for the gangsters who use them as a shield, they will be pursued relentlessly and every effort will be made to bring them to justice.

“This attack last night was an act of pure evil, and attacks like this have got to stop. We have to see an all-out effort being made to rid communities of these ‘dinosaurs’ and to allow people to get on with their lives.

“Our Officers have been showing great professionalism in recent days in Derry and, again, in Belfast last night. They will continue to do their job to protect and safeguard communities without fear or favour and deserve the support and backing of this entire community.”