Federation condemns ‘appalling and deliberate attack’ on officer

The attempted murder of a police officer in Downpatrick has been condemned by the Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland Liam Kelly.

Mr Kelly said: “This was an appalling and deliberate attack. I wish to add my condemnation to that already expressed across the community. What happened in Downpatrick was shocking and brutal.

“From what I’ve seen online, this appears to have been a calculated and dangerous driving act with no effort made to slow down or avoid the officer.

‘My thoughts, and those of every officer in the PSNI, are with our seriously injured colleague and his loved ones.

“This incident graphically illustrates the risks our officers face as they work to safeguard communities and confront law-breakers.”