RUC reserve constable, Ms Alice Collins, slumped to the ground, blood pouring from her back, crying, "I am shot, I am shot".
The mother of three was on duty at the Diamond near the busy Bishop Street in Derry when she was shot in the back by an IRA gunman on April 10th. Four years earlier, only 400 yards away, RUC Const Michael Ferguson was shot dead outside a shopping centre.
The 46 year old woman also singled out by an IRA sniper, however, survived her injuries.
Security sources warned that the attack heralded a renewed campaign of IRA attacks on RUC and British army targets along the Border. Loyalist leaders predicted it would put the ceasefire of the Combined Loyalist Military Command under increased pressure.
It was not until yesterday that the IRA again targeted a member of the RUC, although the past month has seen two RUC officers fall victim to sectarian killings.
. November 2nd, 1993: RUC reserve Const Brian Woods (31) was hit in the neck by a single shot while he was on traffic duty outside Newry RUC station. The IRA attack took place as hundreds of people were leaving an interdenominational service for peace in Market Square.
. December 12th, 1993: RUC constables Ernest Smyth (49) and Andrew Beacom (46) were shot dead by the IRA in Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone. They were in an unmarked car, carrying out a routine patrol when they were killed.
. March 10th, 1994: Off duty RUC Const Jackie Haggan (33) was shot dead at the Dunmore greyhound stadium in north Belfast. Two IRA gunmen went to the bar and singled out the officer.
. May 11th, 1997: Off duty RUC Const Darren Bradshaw (24) was shot dead while drinking at the Parliament Bar, in Belfast. The INLA admitted responsibility.
. May 31st, 1997: Off duty RUC Const Greg Taylor (41) was punched and kicked to death by a loyalist gang after he left a pub in Ballymoney, Co Antrim.