Officers escape injury in attack

Police are treating last Thursday’s incident as attempted murder. Three of the police officers were left extremely shaken following the attack that took pace at around 1pm when a number of shots were fired at them. None of the officers were physically injured though one of the gunshots did strike a parked car.

The following day, police discovered a suspected bomb at the same location where the gun attack took place.

Lisburn Area Commander Chief Inspector Darrin Jones hit out at those responsible, “It is despicable that police officers who were simply trying to give assistance to a person they believed needed them, should be attacked so ruthlessly.

“Simply put, this was an attempt to murder three young, professional, dedicated people. Three people who were just trying to carry out their duty and serve their community to the best of their ability. I am appealing directly to anyone who was in the Foxes Glen area and who may be able to help us, to get in touch with police.

“I feel extremely fortunate and incredibly grateful that those responsible for this attack failed in their goal to murder. We could so easily have been dealing with an unimaginable tragedy had the person or persons who pulled the trigger had their evil way.”

He paid tribute to the three officers for their bravery, their professionalism and their unshakable commitment to the Police Service and to the community.

“I ask people in Twinbrook, Dunmurry and further afield to continue to support us and to let the people behind this reckless attack know that they do not have support and they will not succeed,” he said.

Mr Craig said, “I totally condemn the attack on the police officers, two male and one female, who were responding to reports of a burglary. We could have been waking up to the news of three officers who were serving the whole community, being killed or badly injured. These indiscriminate attacks by dissident republicans took place in the heart of the community with scant regard for the safety and well-being of the children who were playing in the area.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and any other information that may assist the investigation. They can be contacted by calling 0845 600 8000 or you contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.