World News Today: Bomb 'attempt to murder officers'

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Bomb 'attempt to murder officers'

Police said a bomb in south Belfast had the potential to kill police officers and members of the public.

Army technical officers were called to Annadale Embankment at about 0130 BST on Tuesday and the police helicopter was also launched.

Officers were lured towards the device by a phone call claiming a woman was in distress in the area.

Superintendent Chris Noble said it was a "clear attempt to murder officers".

The device was attached to a stile at the top of a path leading to the Lagan River.

Police said a significant number of officers responded to a call apparently from a woman in distress in a wood

Police said the bomb was small but could have killed. Supt Noble described those responsible as "callous".

Analysis

Despite the public outcry that followed the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr, dissident republicans continue to target police officers.

Senior police sources say there is no evidence that the widespread cross-community condemnation of the murder has had any impact on those groups.

A police officer in Northern Ireland is warned he or she is being targeted every two weeks.

Police fear dissidents will attempt to increase their activity in the weeks leading up to the elections and the visit by the Queen to the Republic next month.

The area remains cordoned off whilst the police carry out searches for any additional devices.

No homes were evacuated in the overnight security alert. The road closure from Mornington Place to Wellington Square remains in place.

Police are expected to release more details later on Tuesday.

Two weeks ago, Catholic police officer, Ronan Kerr, 25, was killed when a bomb exploded under his car in Omagh.

Dissidents republicans have been blamed for his murder.

Despite widespread condemnation of Mr Kerr's murder, the police have said they fear dissident republicans may have already identified their next target, and will continue their efforts to kill more officers.

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