A police patrol car came under attack from three masked men who threw petrol bombs at the vehicle in County Tyrone on Saturday evening. The incident occurred in the Ballycolman Estate area of Strabane shortly after 17:00 BST, with officers conducting routine patrol duties at the time of the assault.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that the three men, all dressed entirely in black clothing, targeted the passenger side of the patrol vehicle by each throwing a petrol bomb at it. Despite the nature of the attack, the car sustained only minor damage in the incident.
Why is this attack being treated as serious?
Although the vehicle itself escaped with minimal damage, police officials have stressed the significant danger posed by such an assault.
This was a totally reckless attack in a built-up residential area and while only minor damage was caused to the vehicle, this could have resulted in serious injuries to the officers or to nearby members of the public,said PSNI Chief Inspector Cherith Craig. The densely populated nature of the Ballycolman Estate meant that residents living nearby could have been endangered by the attack.
What is the police response?
The PSNI has made clear its position on violence directed at officers.
Our officers are here to help, and to respond to calls to assist those who need that help. Attacks on police are unacceptable and must not be tolerated,Chief Inspector Craig stated. The force has launched an appeal for information from members of the public who may have witnessed the attack or have knowledge of those responsible.
Anyone with details about the incident has been urged to contact the PSNI directly to assist with the ongoing investigation into the assault.
