Co Armagh Cops 'Under Fire'

The PSNI continues to be the target of attacks by republicans in the North with explosives and a petrol bomb thrown at police in Craigavon this week.

Officers were conducting enquiries in the Meadowbrook area of the town at about at about 12.30pm on Tuesday when they were attacked.

A number of golf balls were also thrown, although no-one was injured.

Police have said those responsible showed "callous disregard" for the safety of the local community and police officers.

The attack has also been condemned by UUP Upper Bann MLA Jo-Anne Dobson who said it targeted the law-abiding community.

"It is disgraceful that PSNI officers are unable to carry out their duty without coming under attack from small minded thugs," she added.

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann John O'Dowd has slammed those behind attacks on the PSNI: "The PSNI recovered, following a search, a large amount of stolen property in the Craigavon area. It was during these searches that they came under attack from a crowd throwing a several small blast bombs and a petrol bomb.

"Those behind these attacks have disrupted the local community and put people living here at risk.

"It is wholly unacceptable. What people locally are asking is why was there such concern by those involved in these disturbances to disrupt the recovery of stolen property?"

Craigavon Alliance Party Councillor Conrad Dixon said: "This was an appalling incident and those behind this attack must be brought to justice.

"The police work to protect everyone across the community and for people to engage in such acts is despicable. The police should be allowed to get on with the vitally important work they do and should not have to face violence or intimidation.

"Anyone who can help police with their investigation into this should contact them immediately," he concluded.

A police officer - Constable Stephen Carroll - was shot dead in Craigavon in March 2009, just 48 hours after Real IRA dissidents shot dead two British soldiers in Antrim.

(BMcC/GK)