Shots fired at PSNI car treated as attempted murder

Two officers badly shaken after up to eight shots fired at armoured car in west Belfast

One PSNI officer had been looking out the passenger window of an armoured car (above) in Belfast on Thursday evening when two shots struck the bullet-proof glass. Dissident republicans are suspected of being behind the attack. Photograph: PSNI
One PSNI officer had been looking out the passenger window of an armoured car (above) in Belfast on Thursday evening when two shots struck the bullet-proof glass. Dissident republicans are suspected of being behind the attack. Photograph: PSNI

A heavy calibre gun was used to target police officers in west Belfast on Thursday evening in an attack the PSNI is treating as attempted murder.

Up to eight shots were fired at the passenger side of an armoured police car parked in Rossnareen Avenue at about 6.50pm.

Two male officers inside the vehicle, which was in the Andersonstown area investigating serious crime, were physically uninjured but left badly shaken by their ordeal.

Bullet-proof glass

One officer had been looking out the passenger window when two shots struck the bullet-proof glass. Dissident republicans are suspected of being behind the attack.

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Detectives believe the gunman made off from the scene in a black BMW 3 series which was waiting in Tullagh Park.

The car, with false number plates from the Republic (05 C 24774), was later found burnt-out in Cluain More Drive.

On Friday, Belfast PSNI commander, Chief Supt Nigel Grimshaw, described the gunman’s actions as a “mindless and reckless attempt to kill police officers”.

The officer described those behind the incident as “deluded”.

“This shooting will not deter these officers or their colleagues from providing a much needed and increasingly valued police service in west Belfast,” he added.

“Police Officers are members of communities across Northern Ireland and we remain determined to work with all communities to keep people safe.

“We are equally determined to provide the fullest protection to our officers when they are on duty.”

Major investigation

A major police investigation is under way and the PSNI will be reviewing its procedures in light of the gun attack.

Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Republic, Charlie Flanagan, was among the politicians to condemn the targeting of the police officers.

“The PSNI protects and serves everyone in the community,” Mr Flanagan said. “The two police services on our island work together as one.

“Those who attack them attack us all.”

Ulster Unionist policing spokesman Ross Hussey said: “Not only were police officers put at risk, but so were members of the local community”.

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey spoke of the people in west Belfast being angered and wanting “futile actions” of this nature to end.

“We will not allow them to drag us back to the past,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Ladas Drive on 101 or to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.