17/05/2013

Magennis Criticises 'Reckless' Attack On Police

A 26-year-old man is being questioned in relation to a gun attack on police officers in West Belfast.

Three officers were responding to a report of a burglary in the Foxes Glen area of Dunmurry on Thursday when the attack happened.

Up to six shots were fired as the officers got out of their vehicle and witnesses said the officers had to dive for cover and crawl on the ground until they reached the safety of their own vehicle.

No one was injured, but the female officer and her two male colleagues are said to have been badly shaken by the incident.

Police now believe the original report of a burglary was false and could have been an attempt to lure officers into the area.

A man was arrested in Belfast on Thursday night and was brought to Antrim Serious Crime Suite.

Lisburn Sinn Féin councillor Stephen Magennis accused those responsible for the shooting of being involved in a "reckless and pointless attack, which not only jeopardised the lives of police officers but also local people, including children."

Mr Magennis added: "Due to the good weather people living in Foxes Glen were sitting outside their homes watching their children playing.

"We are very lucky no one was injured or killed in this reckless and pointless attack.

"The bogus reporting of a burglary by dissidents in order to serve their agenda only does a grave disservice to this community. Following a number of serious incidents in the local area over the past weeks this community is calling for an effective policing response

"Those behind the attack need to explain to this community the rationale behind this attack and what exactly it achieved except causing fear and upset for the local residents."

(JP/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
10 July 2013
Ardoyne Bomb Attack Targets Police
A bomb attack in north Belfast on Tuesday evening has been described as "a blatant attempt to kill or seriously injure police officers". Chief Inspector Andrew Freeburn said those who planted the bomb "showed callous disregard for the safety of the local community and police officers serving this community.
08 November 2010
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.
22 March 2017
Explosion In Strabane Was An 'Attempt To Kill' Police - PSNI
The PSNI have said an explosion in Strabane, Co Tyrone, was an "attempt to kill" police officers. A device exploded in Townsend Street at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, 21 March. Detectives are dealing with an ongoing security alert and have sealed off the area.
12 November 2015
No Evidence Found Police Were Involved In Sectarian Attack
No evidence has been found to support concerns that police did not intervene to stop a sectarian attack in Coleraine in which one man died and a number of people were injured, the Police Ombudsman has concluded.