A booby-trap bomb placed under the car of a policeman in Northern Ireland was clearly intended to kill, a police commander has said.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton blamed dissident republicans for the murder bid in East Belfast.
The latest attack by violent extremists opposed to the peace process has been met by widespread condemnation. The viable explosive device was found by the officer at about 2pm on Sunday.
His car was parked at his home on Upper Newtownards Road, a busy route into the city centre.
The scene, which remained sealed off last night as the security and forensic operation continued, is close to PSNI headquarters at Knock and the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont.
Mr Hamilton said: “It is very fortunate that this device was detected before it exploded and that no one was killed or seriously injured.
“Initial investigations would indicate that this was a viable device placed below an officer’s car some time in the last 48 hours.
“It was clearly intended to kill the police officer. His family and neighbours in the vicinity were also put at risk of serious harm.
“Obviously there are people out there who are still intent on causing murder and mayhem.”
Mr Hamilton added: “Our belief is that this attempted murder was carried by those opposed to peace from within dissident republicanism.
“They don’t care who they attack, they don’t care who they kill. They are simply anti-peace and determined to carry on bringing pain and devastation to families and communities by maiming and killing.”