PFNI condemns attempt on lives of officers in west Belfast

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) says a grenade attack on a police patrol in west Belfast in the early hours of the morning shows the murderous intent of dissident republicans with nothing but misery to offer.

PFNI Chair Mark Lindsay, in a statement, said: “The officers patrolling in their vehicle in Milltown Row were fortunate to escape unscathed after their vehicle was struck by a suspected grenade.

“Instead of reporting a failed terrorist attack this morning, we could easily have been commenting on fatalities or serious injuries. I am relieved that our officers weren’t hurt in this cowardly and callous attempt to kill them.

“As a community, we have to rid ourselves of this terrorist menace. It is holding back all of us who want to build a better future for our children.

“These dissident republicans are heartless and ruthless.  We have a threat level that is officially rated ‘severe’ and there’s little prospect of that changing in the foreseeable future.

“There is a full investigation underway and I would ask the community for its help to track down the people responsible for this murderous attack.”