Woman Charged With Attempted Murder

A 27-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after two police officers were attacked with pipe bombs in north Belfast.

The woman has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of explosives with intent to endanger life and preparation of terrorist acts.

Police were responding to a 999 call in the Crumlin Road area of the city in the early hours of Tuesday 28 May when what is believed to be two pipe bombs were thrown as the officers stepped out of their vehicle.

Neither officer was injured in the attack, however both were left shaken.

Chief Inspector Andrew Freeburn, North Belfast Area Commander, has condemned the incident.

He said: "This was a blatant attempt to murder our police officers who were out protecting the community. It is just sheer good fortune that they were not killed or seriously injured. Whoever carried out this attack showed total disregard for the officers and the people within this community."

Detectives from PSNI's Serious Crime Branch arrested a 25-year-old man in the Meole Brace area of Shrewsbury on the morning Saturday 1 June.

The man was arrested by PSNI officers supported by West Mercia Police, along with officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

He remains in custody.

A 62-year-old woman who was arrested on the morning of Sunday 2 June in the north Belfast area was taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite, but has subsequently been released.

Police are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or who has any information to contact officers at Tennent Street on 0845 600 8000.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(IT/CD)