Republicans Blamed For Shooting Officer In Derry

An off-duty police officer who was seriously injured in a shooting in Londonderry this morning has managed to drive himself from the scene - and the murder attempt has swiftly been blamed on republicans.

The incident happened at about 8.30am on Thursday at Bishop Street in the city. The officer was leaving one of his children off at school when the shooting occurred.

Local reports say that a single shot was fired at the driver's side window by what is believed to have been a shotgun.

While his injuries are not believed to be life threatening, he was seriously hurt but was still able to drive his own car away from the scene.

A car believed to have been used in the attack has since been found burned-out in the Creggan area of the city and NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins confirmed that the officer "was able to drive on from the incident and go to the police station".

The officer is now in Altnagelvin Hospital where his condition is described as serious, but stable.

The Assembly's Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, said of the attack: "The war is over and it`s time these people woke up to that reality. They are attempting to plunge our society back into conflict."

East Derry DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the shooting had all the hallmarks of an attack by dissidents.

He said: "This has to be totally condemned by everyone. If it was wrong to shoot a policeman 10 years ago, then it is wrong today. There needs to be absolute condemnation of this shooting as well as total support for the police throughout the entire community," he said.

Commenting on a vigil held in the Bogside last night to protest the weekend rape of an American student, he continued: "Last night we had the welcome sight of a community rallying against the perpetrators of a vicious rape.

"Now we need to see the same sort of community action against those responsible for this attack."

The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board has also condemned the shooting of an off-duty police officer in Derry this morning.

Professor Sir Desmond Rea said: "On behalf of Members of the Policing Board I utterly condemn this cowardly shooting.

"This officer joined the police to serve the community and our thoughts are with him and his family following this attack.

"As a society we have moved on with full political support for policing secured. We all hoped that attacks on our officers were condemned to the past.

"We cannot allow those who want to dwell in the past to thrwart the progress that has been made. I urge anyone with information to contact the police to ensure those who perpetrated this attack are caught."

(BMcC)