Belfast bomb 'clear attempt to murder police 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".
The area remains cordoned off whilst the police carry out searches for any additional devices.
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.
The perpetrators of this act are the dregs of society.
ReplyDeleteIf only we had a robust criminal justice system, instead of one that is pathetically weak, apologist and politically-correct, we would see them behind bars for the rest of their lives.
But the lessons of the past have not been learned and, even if caught, it is their 'human rights' that will be put before all else...