A BOMB has been discovered under the car of a serving female police officer.
A major security operation was launched after the explosive was discovered at the young mum’s home in Northern Ireland.
3 A bomb was found under the car of a serving police officer in Northern Ireland Police Service Northern Ireland have confirmed the device was “viable” but was defused by the Armed Forces.
Thankfully officers were able to close off the rural road while the bomb was dealt with and there were no injuries.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: “I can confirm that the device is viable and investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
“We are treating this as an attack on a member of staff who also serves her community as a part-time police officer.”
The attack on the officer has been slammed by politicians in Northern Ireland, who have blamed dissident republicans.
First Minister Arlene Foster said: I stand, as does my entire party, with the brave woman targeted by republicans and utterly condemn those who have sought to harm her and her family
“I do give thanks that she has survived this dreadful murder attempt and when I spoke to this lady earlier, I gave her my prayerful support and indeed solidarity at this difficult time.
“To the republicans who sought to murder this young mother, your campaign is futile, you will never succeed and whilst there may always be different political views in Northern Ireland, we will keep moving forward and we will not be dragged back by bombers or those who would seek to use the gun to get their own political way.”
‘DISGRACEFUL’ SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said: “No one should have to live in fear of going to work.
“Our officers protect our communities every day and keep them safe. My thoughts are with the officer and their families.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis blasted: “The attempted murder of this police officer is absolutely abhorrent. I completely condemn the actions of those involved.
“Those who try to attack public servants have nothing to offer the communities they claim to represent. I want to convey my support for the officer concerned.”
While Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said: “The discovery of a device under the car of a young female police officer near Dungiven is disgraceful and I condemn it utterly.
“Thankfully she wasn’t hurt but we could have been facing a very different scenario.”
The drama comes amid weeks of unrest in Northern Ireland as PSNI officers continue to come under attack.
Cops have been pelted with stones, bricks and petrol bombs while trying to calm tensions on the streets.
Violence has flared over the Northern Ireland protocol with riots on both sides of gates separating loyalist areas and nationalist areas.
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Protesters also marched through the streets carrying placards slamming the post-Brexit trading arrangements.
They claim the protocol has created new barriers and bureaucracy on trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
3 It comes amid weeks of violence in Northern Ireland Credit: Getty 3 Protesters have been rioting against the Northern Ireland Protocol Credit: Getty Belfast cops come under attack after another night of violence in Northern Ireland
