Two officers escaped injury after the vehicle was damaged in the Mount Carmel Heights area of the town. The road into the area has been closed and residents disrupted as a security alert continues.

“This is an horrific attack and my thoughts are with the police officers involved,” said Councillor Donnelly.

“We could very easily be standing here today talking about the death of police officers. Nobody should face this kind of threat when simply doing their job. In 2022 I had hoped these sorts of incidents had been left in the past but it is clear some are not getting the message their reckless violence is not welcome in Northern Ireland.

“In addition, many residents, including schoolchildren, have been left with their day disrupted due to this irresponsible attack.

“If anyone has any information on this incident, I urge them to take it to police immediately.”