Gun attack on Belfast police officers 'has hallmarks of dissident republicans'
A gun attack on two police officers in west Belfast bore all the hallmarks of a dissident republican operation, a senior police officer has said.
Up to eight rounds hit the passenger side of the car parked at Rossnareen Avenue in the Andersonstown area shortly before 7pm on Thursday.
The two officers escaped unhurt but were badly shaken.
Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the shooting as a mindless and reckless attempt to kill.
Speaking on the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme he said: “It certainly does bear the hallmarks of dissident republican violence in recent times.
“People took a premeditated decision to step out into a residential area last night and bring some serious weaponry into play and fire shots at police officers.”
Mr Grimshaw declined to comment on speculation that a Kalashnikov rifle had been used in the ambush.
Police are treating it as attempted murder, he said.
“This was a mindless and reckless attempt to kill police officers who were carrying out routine duties as part of an investigation into serious crime,” he said. “Thankfully it failed.”
Last week a member of the Travelling community was critically injured after he was shot in the head in the same area.
It is understood the officers were ambushed as they prepared to question members of the public about recent serious crime in west Belfast in recent days.
Mr Grimshaw said a review of procedures and tactics would now be carried out but officers would not be put off carrying out their daily duties.
He added: “This will not deter these officers or their colleague in providing a much-needed and increasingly valued police service in west Belfast.
“Those who believe that trying to kill officers will achieve anything are deluded.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI on 101.
