West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed

The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast.

Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.

"Actions like this will not deter the police, and others who work with police, from continuing to do their best to provide good policing and a safer environment for the people of west Belfast.

"I wish the officers a full and speedy recovery from their injuries," he said, as it emerged that one of the officers injured in the grenade attack on Friday was still being treated in hospital yesterday.

He suffered serious arm injuries when the device was thrown during the investigation into the robbery of a bookmakers on the Shaw's Road.

One other officer required hospital treatment for cuts to his face sustained but has since been released. A third suffered minor shock and ringing in his ears but was treated at the scene.

The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford said he was thankful those behind the attack "failed in their murderous intent".

"Murder, destruction and heartache is all that those responsible for this attack have to offer the people of Northern Ireland," he commented as the DUP MLA and NI Policing Board member, Ian McCrea, also condemned Friday's attack as "deplorable and sickening".

He said: "Those responsible have nothing to offer the people of Northern Ireland but murder and bloodshed; something the people of Northern Ireland have seen quite enough of after 30 years of carnage and violence.

"These officers can be assured that the majority of ordinary, law biding and decent citizens of Northern Ireland are behind them.

"The security forces of Northern Ireland have already suffered greatly at the hands of such criminals throughout our history and I appeal for no more bloodshed."

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has condemned the attack on police officers too and said: "This was a cowardly and vicious attack. I hope the officers injured in this incident make a swift recovery.

"It is deeply troubling to think that these individuals have attacked people who were protecting the community in responding to a robbery.

"The community is disgusted at these evil elements who deal in fear and violence. Those who engage in acts like this have no place in our society and they must be brought to justice. I call on anyone with information about those involved to contact police immediately."

(BMcC/GK)