A police officer has been critically injured in what the PSNI is treating as a dissident republican car bomb attack in Co Antrim.
The officer was driving his blue Alfa Romeo car along Milltown Road in Randalstown at about 6.30am today when the device exploded under the driver's seat, causing him serious injuries.
The policeman is understood to be 33, recently married and a Catholic. He was thought to be driving to Belfast's Woodbourne station in west Belfast.
Police say he was a highly regarded officer with some 10 years experience. Det Chief Supt Derek Williamson branded the attackers "faceless cowardly thugs".
"They skulked under the cover of darkness to try to kill or injure this officer," he said. "It's too early to know exactly who was responsible but it's likely to have been dissident republicans."
Political reaction was swift.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the attack was one of “senseless” violence. “The people of Ireland have clearly demonstrated their wish for peace and to work through the democratic process,” he said. “This criminal action by a tiny minority is an attack on all of the people of this country. They will not succeed in deflecting us from the path of peace on this island. I look forward to seeing the perpetrators of this heinous act being brought swiftly to justice.”
Northern Ireland Security Minister Paul Goggins also condemned the "vile attack", which he said would "sicken" people across the North. "Those who planted this device are to be condemned and anyone with information should bring it to the PSNI so that those responsible can be brought before the courts."
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson joined the condemnation. “This is a cowardly, evil act against a man committed to defending the free society we all enjoy," the DUP leader said. “I have said in the past that those who perpetrate such attacks will not succeed in returning Northern Ireland to the dark days of the past. I remain steadfastly committed to upholding that promise. There is only one path forward - that of peace and democracy.”
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the injured officer contributes positively to the community.
“He is an active member of the GAA and an Irish speaker. He serves the community as a member of the PSNI," he said. “The people who carried out this attack make no contribution. These actions serve no purpose and will not further any cause.”
Sinn Féin MLA Mitchel McLaughlin said the attack was timed to counter his party's efforts to break the deadlock with the DUP over the devolution of justice and policing powers to Stormont. "These issues and these difficulties in the interests of all the people of Ireland have to be resolved, whether with Peter Robinson or some other leader of that party. Peter Robinson, as leader, has a responsibility and he is not meeting it at this time."
Policing Board chairman Barry Gilligan said those responsible "cannot be allowed to succeed in bringing any further terror to our community."
There was also strong condemnation from the Ulster Unionists, the SDLP, Progressive Unionist and Alliance parties.
DUP area MP William McCrea said he believed a cell of dissident terrorists were operating in the area. He said he was greatly concerned by what he perceived to be "a lack of intelligence" available to security forces.
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said the officer had been brutally targeted by cowards. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife and his family at this very difficult and trying time,” he said.
“I know that every decent person will join with me in condemning this attack and I can assure people across Northern Ireland that my colleagues will not be deterred from providing a first class impartial Police Service," he said.
Elsewhere today, gardaí investigating the activities of dissident republicans made three arrests. During a search of a residence in Belturbet, Co Cavan, this morning, gardaí seized a firearm and arrested three men.