Dissidents blamed for shots at police

Shots have been fired at police officers by suspected dissident republicans in Londonderry.

Police responded to a report that a car had been abandoned in a grassy area off the Glen Road last night.

After arranging for the stolen car to be recovered, the officers were shot at as they returned to their vehicle. No one was injured.

Superintendent Chris Yates said: "I have no doubt this was an attempt to kill a police officer. We are very fortunate that no one was injured tonight."

Police have appealed for witnesses to the gun attack.

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said dissident republicans had attempted to lure the officers into an ambush.

"There is sheer frustration when people are trying to do so much to improve the quality of life in this city that people are trying to destroy it," he said.