Police officer shot in ‘terrorist attack’

A police officer has been shot in north Belfast in what was described as a “terrorist” attack. He suffered injuries to the arm, which were said not to be life-threatening, in the drive-by attack near a petrol station.

“This is an appalling act, and I wish to condemn it in the strongest possible terms,”

-said Mark Lindsay, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, a representative body for police officers.

“This attempted murder underlines the fragility of our peace,” Lindsay said in a statement posted on Twitter. “It’s one reason why the threat level here remains classed ‘severe’ which means a terrorist attack is highly likely.”

Several shots were fired. The injured officer has been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he is undergoing surgery. Mr. Hamilton Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) assistant chief, said he was conscious and was doing as well as could be expected.

“This was a very concerted attack on our officers – a very concerted attempt to murder them.”Our main line of inquiry at the minute is violent dissident republicans.”One arrest has already been made.”