Dissidents 'wanted officer dead'

Dissident republicans were attempting to kill a police officer in an attempted bomb attack in Lisburn on Tuesday, police have said.

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.