PSNI officers urged to 'step up vigilance' following bomb attack

The chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Liam Kelly, said: “The terrorist goal was to cause heartache and misery and return Northern Ireland to the dark ages.

“We are grateful that officers in the vehicle targeted by these cowards were unhurt. The attackers wanted their roadside device to cause maximum damage and we are thankful they failed in their objective.

“Nothing is gained by such a callous, hate-filled incident. The terrorist threat is rated ‘substantial’ and I would appeal to all officers to step up their vigilance.”

He continued: “This attack is a reminder to us all that terrorists are still active in our community. They want to maim or murder our men and women. The truth is they are a bankrupt throwback to another time and have nothing to offer society.

“I would appeal to people to help the police track down those responsible and bring them before the Courts.

“This was a desperate, reckless act. It will not deter our colleagues from doing their job with professionalism and dedication.”

The local policing and community safety partnership, meanwhile, condemned the attack.

The Chair of the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Alderman Darren Guy, said: "Attacks like these are not acceptable in our society and must be condemned by all of us. The people of Strabane are shocked and disgusted at this attempt to murder police officers as they go about their work to keep people safe. There can be no justification for this attack.

"It is clear that those responsible have absolutely no concern for people living in the Mount Carmel Heights area nor do they represent the interests of any of the people living there. My thoughts are with the police officers and with the people living in the area who have had to endure this. I would urge anyone with information on this attempt to murder members of our community to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers immediately."