Colum Eastwood says attempt to bomb Co. Derry police woman an 'appalling' act perpetrated by 'cowards' at war with 'people of Ireland'

He was speaking after the PSNI said they believed a viable device discovered on the Ballyquin Road was planted in an attempt to target a part-time police officer.

The road remains closed.

Mr. Eastwood said: "This attack on a serving member of the PSNI is an appalling attempt to murder a young woman who stood up and chose to serve her community. The cowards behind it could not be further removed from the bravery and compassion of officers who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe."

PSNI believe viable device in north Co. Derry was planted in attempt to target part-time police officer

He said those responsible are at war with the people of Ireland.

“Violence in pursuit of political goals has never been endorsed by the people of this island. Those who are waging a campaign of violence against members of our community need to understand, and we need to make them understand, that they are not in a fight with the PSNI or with Britain, they have chosen a fight with the people of Ireland who overwhelmingly endorsed peace. It is a fight that they will never win.

Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill condemn 'attempted murder' of female PSNI officer in north Co. Derry

“Anyone with information should come forward to the police. We need a whole community response and total community opposition to those seeing to murder and maim our neighbours.”