By Tony O’Riley-
Police have launched an information portal as part of their probe into the attempted murder of a female officer.
Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process are suspected of involvement in the attack, after a bomb was placed beside the part-time officer’s car at her home in Dungiven, Co Londonderry, on Monday.
The device, described as being designed to create a fireball, was left where the officer’s three-year-old daughter normally sits in the car.
The device was found in a bag at the part-time officer’s home in a rural area close to Dungiven.
A security operation has been ongoing since Monday on the Ballyquin Road since the discovery of the device.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan confirmed the device is viable and said investigations into the full circumstances of the attack are ongoing.
“We are treating this as an attack on a member of staff who also serves her community as a part-time police officer,” he said.
First Minister Arlene Foster blamed dissident republicans for the attempted attack on the young mother.
She said: “I stand, as does my entire party, with the brave woman targeted by republicans and utterly condemn those who have sought to harm her and her family.”
“I do give thanks that she has survived this dreadful murder attempt and 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 and whilst there may always be different political views in Northern Ireland, we will keep moving forward and we will not be dragged back by bombers or those who would seek to use the gun to get their own political way.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill called the attempted murder “reprehensible” and urged “all” politicians to unite against the “toxic agenda” of those involved.
“Those involved in this attack will not succeed in their regressive and toxic agenda,” she said. “All politicians must unite against these reckless actions. We must keep building the peace for our children.”
Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA, Cara Hunter also condemned the attack.
“No one should have to live in fear of going to work,” she said.
“Our officers protect our communities every day and keep them safe. My thoughts are with the officer and their families.”
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said police are aware that a claim has been made on behalf of the New IRA, adding that it is a “strong line of inquiry”.
He added: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the viable device which was discovered beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven, on Monday.
“The device, which had explosives attached to a container with flammable liquid, was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or anyone close by, or those calling to the house.
“What is really distressing 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. It demonstrates the complete and utter disregard those who planted it had for the life of a mother and her very young daughter.
“This was a cowardly and despicable act carried out by desperate people. They deserve no support from any part of our community.”
Mr Campbell has urged anyone with information which could help the investigation to come forward.
A Major Incident Public Portal has been launched to receive information, including photographs and video footage.
Only yesterday, a man was charged after stabbing a police officer, who needed hospital after treatment following the assault around 6am yesterday.
Gill, of Gravesend, Kent, was charged with attempted murder, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, conspiring to import cannabis and acquiring criminal property.