Officers have escaped injury in a bomb attack in Northern Ireland, which police say was a “deliberate attempt” to lure them there “to murder them”.

The device detonated on Monday morning as police and army bomb disposal officers were searching the area near Newtownbutler in Co Fermanagh.

Bomb disposal officers had been in the area at the weekend responding to reports of a suspicious device – which was later declared a hoax.

Another device exploded close-by at around 10.35am on Monday when a bomb disposal team was attending to review the scene.

Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: “While this investigation is at a very early stage I am of the firm belief this was a deliberate attempt to lure police and ATO (Ammunition Technical Officers) colleagues into the area to murder them.”

He called the attack “indiscriminate and reckless” and said “there is no doubt in my mind that police responding to this call were the target”.

There have been no reported injuries.

DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted: “My thoughts are with the police officers / ATOs who escaped injury in Wattle Bridge. A reminder of the bravery of our security forces.

“The threat from republican terrorists still exists. It’s time they left the stage & allowed everyone to move on. This was a clear attempt to kill.”

Dissident republicans continue to target members of the security forces in Northern Ireland.

Mr Martin appealed for help to “identify the perpetrators of this sinister and potentially murderous attack”.

PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne tweeted: “The bomb attack in Fermanagh this morning is a sinister development. A clear and deliberate attempt to murder @PoliceServiceNI officers.

“I strongly condemn these actions and express my sincere thanks to both the Officers and Army personnel for their work in securing the area.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew condemned the attack.

“This morning’s bomb attack in Wattle Bridge was totally wrong,” the Sinn Fein representative said.

“Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but we could have been dealing with a situation where people were seriously injured or worse.

“Those responsible for this incident have nothing to offer society and need to end these actions immediately.”

Anyone with information can call 101 with information or contact police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Read Full Article