The DUP has demanded a security crackdown against dissident republicans after an off-duty PSNI officer was shot several times and seriously injured in Dungannon last night. The policeman, the second to be shot in five days, was attacked as he sat in his car in heavy traffic in the Co Tyrone town at about 5.30pm.
A lone gunman is reported to have approached the car and opened fire, hitting the officer, shortly after the car left Dungannon PSNI station and as it slowed for traffic lights.
Despite his injuries, it is understood the officer managed to drive the short distance from the scene on Circular Road near St Patrick's Church back to the town's PSNI station, and an ambulance was called.
His condition in Craigavon Area Hospital was described last night as stable.
The attack follows a similar shooting on Bishop Street in Derry last week. Jim Doherty (43), another off-duty officer, was shot in his car as he left his child to school. That attack has since been claimed by the Real IRA, which opposes the powersharing deal at Stormont involving the DUP and Sinn Féin.
The British and Irish governments both condemned the shooting. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said: "The perpetrators of these crimes do not represent the community."
"They seek only to perpetuate the violence and divisions of the past. Their actions cannot be justified." Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward said the shooting was "despicable and cowardly".
Lord Maurice Morrow, a DUP Assembly member for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, said words of condemnation from Sinn Féin were insufficient in the face of what his party says is an organised campaign against the PSNI.
"I am absolutely horrified and I am absolutely sickened," he said.
"It is time the government got the gloves off and allowed the PSNI to crush this dissident faction of republicans that are intent on causing maximum damage," he told BBC Northern Ireland.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also condemned the shooting and called for support to be given to the police. "These people are attempting to plunge our society back into conflict," he said. "I am confident that the vast majority of people here will ensure that this does not happen."
The PSNI said last night: "It is understood the officer was leaving Dungannon police station and was stopped at traffic lights on the Circular Road where he was shot a number of times and seriously injured.
District commander Michael Skuce said the attack was "cowardly and despicable".
Police officers have been briefed on their personal safety following fresh warnings about the level of threat posed by dissident republicans.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster, another DUP Assembly member for the area, said the policeman had been hit in the arm. "This is a very worrying development. It is an unsettling development and we particularly condemn it."
It is thought the attack was designed to coincide with a meeting of the local District Policing Partnership, a forum for members of the public and community leaders to raise matters of local importance with the PSNI's area commanders.
Last night Sinn Féin, which recognised the PSNI in January this year, was due to nominate its candidates for membership of the body.
The meeting was called off once news spread of the shooting.