Police escape injury in Belfast gun attack

PSNI says its fortunate not to be dealing with fatalities after vehicle on patrol was hit twice

PSNI oficers have escaped injury during a gun attack in west Belfast
PSNI oficers have escaped injury during a gun attack in west Belfast

Police officers have escaped injury during a gun attack in west Belfast last night, the PSNI has said.

"It is fortunate that we are not dealing with fatalities this morning and those responsible are to be utterly condemned for their evil and reckless actions," district commander Chief Superintendent George Clarke said today.

The Landrover of the police on patrol was struck twice at 11.45pm as it travelled along Suffolk Road.

“For the second night in a row, dedicated community police officers have found themselves under attack from terrorists,” he said.

The officers should be free to serve the community “without the threat of attack” but this would “not deter them or their colleagues” in their work, Chief Supt Clarke said.

He urged the community to support the police and urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery is Deputy Head of Audience at The Irish Times