Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the “attempted murder” of two PSNI officers in Strabane is “absolutely shocking”.
Police in Northern Ireland have said that a security alert is ongoing following "what appears to have been a targeted attack on" officers.
It comes following an explosion in Strabane, Co Tyrone on Thursday night.
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The incident occurred in the Mount Carmel Heights area and is believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device.
The explosion caused damage to a police vehicle and is now being treated as the attempted murder of two officers, both of whom escaped injured.
Asked about the incident in Newry on Friday morning, the Taoiseach said that those responsible for the explosion need to be brought to justice “quickly”.
“Any such attempt to injure or to murder members of security forces and the PSNI, in particular, will be absolutely shocking,” Mr Martin
“It stands to be condemned in the most comprehensive manner.
“We're here today looking ahead to the future for the people of Northern Ireland [so] that they can enjoy better economic prospects, better quality of life.
“It's quite shocking if that is the case that something of that kind would happen, and we await charity, obviously, on the investigation.
“Anyone guilty of wrongdoing, we hope will be very quickly brought to justice.”
Mr Matin was in Newry, as the Government announced the commencement of the tender process for the Narrow Water Bridge.
In a statement, the PSNI said that the incident is being treated as attempted murder.
“The Police Service can confirm that the ongoing security alert in the Mount Carmel Heights area of Strabane this morning, Friday November 18 follows what appears to have been a targeted attack on police shortly before 11pm last night,” it said.
“Investigations are at an early stage however the attack, which is believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device, caused damage to a police vehicle and is being treated as the attempted murder of two officers.
“The road remains closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area. No homes have been evacuated at this time. A further update will be provided in due course.”
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