County Fermanagh police murder bid blamed on organised criminals

The off-duty officer answered the front door of his County Fermanagh home when the incident happened

Police believe "organised criminal elements" were behind the attempted murder of an off-duty officer in County Fermanagh on Thursday.

The officer was at home near Kesh when he was confronted at his front door by a masked man with a shotgun at about 02:00 GMT.

Mark Lindsay, chairman of the Police Federation, said the man pointed the gun at the officer and tried to fire.

However, he said "for some reason" the gun did not go off.

Police said the officer had noticed movement outside his property in the Rosscah Road and Crevenish Road area, and went to the front door to investigate.

The suspect, described as being dressed entirely in black, fled on foot across nearby fields, close to a football club after the attack.

'New departure'

Police said they "firmly believe that this disturbing incident was a failed attempt to kill a local police officer".

Mr Lindsay said it was a "worrying development".

"I think this is a new departure, if this is the case, criminals are trying to confront police officers at their own homes and it isn't something we see a lot of," he said.

"We have to be looking at the PSNI to look at all lines here and see if they can nip this in the bud quickly."

Det Ch Insp Julie Mullan said investigators were "keeping an open mind" on the motive but that the "primary line of enquiry is that organised criminal elements may be responsible".

"There are no words to describe those who would creep through the dark of night with nothing but death and destruction on their minds," she added.

Mark Lindsay said the attack was "appalling and cowardly"

"Their action stand in stark contrast to those officers, including their intended target, who everyday police our communities with dignity, respect and courtesy."

The police have appealed for information.

'Mafia-style behaviour'

Mr Lindsay said it was "an appalling and cowardly act" and the officer was fortunate to escape unhurt.

"From the information I have and from speaking to him, I believe that a shotgun-type weapon was pointed at him and an attempt made to fire that shotgun," he said.

"For some reason the gun hasn't gone off - nobody knows why that is."

"There should be no place for this type of Mafia-style behaviour," he added.

Politicians have also condemned the incident.