Dissident republicans prime suspects for car bomb attack

Dissident republicans were thought to be behind a growing terror campaign after a police officer's girlfriend narrowly escaped death in a car bomb attack.

The 38-year-old woman suffered only minor injuries after a device exploded under her Mazda MX5 as she reversed out of the driveway of her home in east Belfast.

Yesterday morning's blast in a quiet residential street close to the local police headquarters, and sent shockwaves through the unionist area.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the device had been designed to kill and while the force declined to point the finger of blame so early in their investigations, dissident republicans were suspected.

Chief Superintendent Brian Maguire, who is leading the hunt for the bombers, said: "Clearly there are people out there in today's society who are still intent on causing murder and mayhem."

He said officers had for some time been on alert and advised to check under their cars because of the increased dissident threat.

"We are aware there is a serious threat and that has been the case for some time," he added.

The bomb was fitted under the front passenger side of the two-seater car and Mr Maguire said: "Had a person been sitting in the passenger side, we may be talking about a fatality."

It is believed the woman often gave her partner a lift to work - he is understood to be a police dog handler - and he would have been in the passenger seat.

Last month the Real IRA exploded a bomb outside a policeman's home in Londonderry on the same day a pipe bomb failed to detonate outside his sister's home.

The Continuity IRA claimed responsibility for the murder of Constable Stephen Carroll, who was shot dead in Craigavon in March.

Security minister Paul Goggins said this latest attack was repulsive.

"Mercifully, this woman escaped with minor injuries but those who planted this bomb had murder in mind. They do not care who they kill," he said.

"News of this attack will repulse people across Northern Ireland. The remarkable progress that Northern Ireland has made over the past decade will not be derailed by criminals operating under the cover of darkness."

First Minister Peter Robinson said the attack was "an evil act designed to murder a police officer".

The Democratic Unionist Party leader and East Belfast MP added: "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Those responsible have nothing to offer and must face the full rigours of the law.

"Undoubtedly those responsible are determined that Northern Ireland should be plunged back into the dark days of the past. They will not succeed."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness condemned the attack which he said had obviously been intended to kill.

He said: "The vast majority of people want a future together in peace. The people of Ireland overwhelmingly support the peace process. They want the political institutions and progress to continue.

"Attempts like this to derail the peace process must not be allowed to succeed."