An investigation is underway into the assassination attempt after a “direct incendiary bomb” was fired at a police officer in Derry.
Police say the officer was with his colleagues who responded to the fire that broke out in the Santa Cecilia wall, which was recorded until 11:00.
As is known, while the officers were at the scene, a number of young men gathered and threw stones at them.
When the police were guarding the place all day, they fired a burning petrol bomb directly at the officer.
Superintendent Cliff Petty said: “Our colleague was one of many of our officers who responded to the fire and worked for the safety of the people when it was so foolishly inflicted.
Fortunately, he acted quickly and avoided serious injury by repelling a gasoline bomb from his body.
As a result, he was injured in the hand, however, he was able to remain in service and continue to serve our community. What happened is unacceptable. No one should go to work and be in such a dangerous situation. If not for his quick reaction, the consequences would have been serious injuries or worse.”
The investigation is being conducted by investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department, in addition to the intentional shooting of property, as well as other riots and assaults on a customer.
Detective Detective Garrett Laffer said: “We view this horrific attack on our colleague as an attempted assassination and have many pleas to participate in our investigation into the incident and the fire and riots that followed.” We were informed of the house fire yesterday around 10:45 AM. The building was empty at the time and thanks to the work of the NIFRS the spread of the fire to the neighboring properties was prevented.
No information was disclosed about the injured. The incident is being investigated in terms of shooting. If you are in the area at the time and have information about what happened, please let us know.
“If you were on this side yesterday and saw or witnessed what happened during the Santa Cecilia rally and the attack on our officer, call us.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein’s Padregue Delarje has condemned the attack on a police officer.
Padregue Delarje said: “Last night the firebomb attack on a police officer in Kerrigan was disgraceful and I completely condemn it.
“The officer was shot in the hand, but we could have faced a completely different scenario.
Those behind this reckless attack had shown an arrogant contempt for the entire community.
I ask anyone with information about this attack to report it to the police.
Source: Belfastlive

I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.