Up to 20 petrol bombs were thrown at Crossmaglen police station in South Armagh in an attack early this morning.
A spokesman said "considerable scorch damage" was caused to the perimeter fence during the incident at 12.30am.
A short time before the incident police on patrol in Crossmaglen reported hearing automatic gunfire north of the village.
There has been unrest in South Armagh since police and emergency services were attacked last weekend at the scene of a British military helicopter crash.
Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy condemned those involved in the attack on the police station.
"What I can clearly say is that it was in no way connected to republicans," he said.
"I would appeal to those involved in this type of pointless activity to wise up and to reflect upon the damage that this type of activity does to the reputation of the local community here in Crossmaglen."
Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member Danny Kennedy said it was clear that republican elements in south Armagh were out of control.