Bombers 'extend operational area'

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DUP Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson has said an attempted bomb attack in Lisburn marks an escalation in the campaign by dissident republicans.

The incident, which happened on Tuesday, was an attempt to kill a officer, police have said.

"A lot of their attacks have occurred in the west of the province recently," said Mr Donaldson.

"This now brings it into the Lisburn area so it's clear the dissidents are extending their areas of operation."

A "viable pipe bomb device" was found under a 50-year-old woman's car in the Ballyskeagh area of the city.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Smyth said it was a case of mistaken identity.

"The actions of this terrorist grouping may have led to very, very serious injury or loss of life," he said.

"As a member of the police service, I want to reassure the public that we're doing everything we can to protect them.

"And in instances like this, we will endeavour to a great extent to bring those responsible to justice."

Police want to speak to the owner of a white Vauxhall Corsa car which was parked at Lambeg Parish Church from Monday evening until Tuesday morning. They say a teenager wearing a baseball cap was in the vehicle.

They also want to speak to a man wearing a high visibility jacket who was also in the Ballyskeagh area.

Security Minister Paul Goggins condemned the attackers.

"Anyone who knows anything about those who carried out this attack cannot, in all conscience, remain silent in the face of this murderous insanity," he said.