Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA and Policing spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, have condemned the attempted murder of police officers and soldiers at Wattlebridge in Fermanagh.

Robin Swann MLA said:

“The bomb attack on police and soldiers at Wattlebridge in County Fermanagh is a terrible throwback to the terrorism of the past. It was a cowardly attack on brave men and women and also on wider society in Northern Ireland. There was never any excuse to justify such premeditated cold blooded attempts to murder in the past and there`s no excuse for it now.

“The police officers and soldiers who were targeted are there to serve and protect us all. The republican terrorists responsible for this cowardly act are attempting to sow seeds of terror across Northern Ireland. They must be stopped. When the police bring these people before the courts we need to see sentences handed down which reflect the severity of the crimes they commit.

“It is the responsibility of all politicians to be careful with the language so that the words they use cannot be interpreted as giving cover or excuse for those murderous criminals responsible for the planning and execution of this crime.”

Alan Chambers MLA, Ulster Unionist representative on the Policing Board said:

“My thoughts are with the brave police officers and soldiers who escaped injury in this terrorist attack. Their courage is a stark contrast to the spineless and cowardly actions of the evil people responsible for this crime who want to pull our society apart though the use of terror. It didn`t work in the past and it won`t work now.

“The devious methods and tactics used, serve to demonstrate the absolute cowardice of the faceless thugs behind it who need removed from our streets as a matter of urgency. But this can only be done if those within the community who have information about the criminals responsible, are prepared to pass that on to the PSNI.”