Armagh bomb 'was blatant bid to kill police'

The threat to police from dissident republicans is extremely high following a bomb attack in Armagh, a senior officer warned today.

Last night’s blast, which destroyed part of a country road and bridge in south Armagh, was a callous and blatant attempt to kill and injure policemen, Superintendent Pauline Shields added.

Investigators went to the isolated republican stronghold near the Border and set up barriers but have delayed their forensic probe in case of a follow-up attack.

Ms Shields said: “We are treating the scene with extreme caution as this was a blatant and callous attempt to kill and injure my officers. The threat to police remains extremely high.”

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said today that the threat posed by dissident republicans was "very serious".

Speaking in Dublin today, he said the dissidents were becoming more sophisticated, but that police forces on both sides of the Border had also "upped their game".

His comments followed the arrest over the weekend of five men in Co Louth on suspicion of trying to move explosives over the Border.

The Armagh explosion happened under a bridge on the Carrickrovaddy Road between Belleeks and Cullyhanna at around 5.30pm yesterday. Nobody was hurt. Some local councillors have queried why there are not more police on the ground.

Superintendent Shields said: “We believe there is currently no real risk to members of the public. This is a small, isolated country road - but there is a real risk to my officers.

“That is why we have to assess the situation and take the right action to keep both the community and my officers safe. However, we are doing everything in our power to keep them safe and to investigate the incident.”

The last policeman killed by dissident republicans, Stephen Carroll, was lured to the scene by a distress call in Craigavon, Co Armagh.

Ms Shields said yesterday’s was a significant explosion.

“Ultimately those who planted the device are only serving to destroy and disrupt local communities,” she said.

She added the finger of blame was being pointed at dissident republicans.

“There is an ongoing investigation, however indications at this stage would suggest the involvement of dissident republicans.”

The North's Justice Minister David Ford said the explosion was designed to kill.

“The days of the bomb and the bullet are in the past and thankfully no one was injured in this blast which was an attack on the entire community and designed to kill, maim and frighten.”

SDLP Assembly member Dominic Bradley criticised those responsible.

“It was wrong in the past and it is wrong today. It serves no purpose. The vast majority of people in south Armagh reject this sort of activity,” he