A BOMB left near a police officer’s car outside her home in Co Derry was an attempt to kill her and her young daughter, police have said.
The explosive device was attached to a container of flammable liquid next to her car in Dungiven on Monday.
“This was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or close by,” said Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan, head of the PSNI’s Crime Operation Branch.
Police believe the dissident republican group the New IRA was responsible.
“What is really distressing here is the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car directly at the point where the victim’s three-year-old daughter sits,” said ACC McEwan.
“This demonstrates the complete and utter disregard for the life of a mother and her toddler – this simply beggars belief.”
ACC McEwan said dissident republicans were “still intent on recklessly targeting honest hardworking members of our community”.
“They have no concern at all for those that are killed or harmed in the process,” he said.
“It’s time for people to examine their own conscience and ask themselves whether they support groups who are attempting to kill a three-year-old child and her mother.
“We will be unrelenting in our efforts to bring these people to justice.”
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said it was an “outrageous attack” on the officer and her family.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have described the attempted attack as “reprehensible”.
“I do give thanks that she has survived this dreadful murder attempt,” said Mrs Foster, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader.
“When I spoke to this lady earlier I gave her my prayerful support and indeed solidarity at this difficult time.”
“To the republicans who sought to murder this young mother, your campaign is futile, you will never succeed.”
Part of Ballyquin Road close to the village remains closed as police examine the scene and police have said motorists should avoid the area.
The road, which is closed at its junctions with Camnish Road and Curragh Road, is expected to remain closed for some time.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the attempted attack as a “shocking and deplorable attempt on the life of a police officer that will rightly be reviled across the community”.
“Those behind this reckless attack have absolutely nothing to offer society and have shown a callous disregard for the entire community,” said the Sinn Féin vice-president.
Police cordon off scene of bomb alert in Dungiven, Co Derry
British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said: “I want to convey my support for the officer concerned.
“Those who try to attack public servants have nothing to offer the communities they claim to represent.”
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the attempted attack was disgraceful.
“Those responsible and their warped agenda are putting police officers and our community in danger,” he added.
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