Reaction: PSNI vehicle petrol bombed in Carrickfergus

The device was thrown just after 1.05am today while police were attending an road traffic collision in the Castlemara Drive area of the town.

“There were no injuries or damage caused however this attack should be condemned,” Inspector Mick Wood said.

“The police service belongs to the whole community and police officers are there to serve and protect the whole community. A police officer should never come under attack while simply doing their job.

“I would ask anyone with any information about this incident to contact Larne Police Station on the non-emergency number 101. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

SDLP East Antrim representative Councillor Margaret Anne McKillop has condemned those behind the petrol bomb attack.

“This must undoubtedly have been a terrifying situation for those involved,” she said. “No one should come under attack in this society for simply doing their job. Those behind this sinister crime have nothing to offer the people of Antrim.

“I would encourage anyone with any information to contact the police as soon as possible.”