Police in Northern Ireland are investigating the attempted murder of a female officer after a bomb was placed beside her car.

Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process are suspected of involvement in the incident outside the officer’s home in Dungiven, Co Londonderry, on Monday.

The device, described as being designed to create a fireball, was placed near to where the officer’s three-year-old daughter sits in the car.

Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said police are aware that a claim has been made on behalf of the New IRA, adding that it is a ‘strong line of inquiry’.

He added: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the viable device which was discovered beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven, on Monday.

“The device, which had explosives attached to a container with flammable liquid, was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or anyone close by, or those calling to the house.

“What is really distressing is the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car directly at the point where the victim’s three-year-old daughter sits. It demonstrates the complete and utter disregard those who planted it had for the life of a mother and her very young daughter.

“This was a cowardly and despicable act carried out by desperate people. They deserve no support from any part of our community.”

Mr Campbell has urged anyone with information which could help the investigation to come forward.

A Major Incident Public Portal has been launched to receive information, including photographs and video footage.

The detective added: “I appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of this attack, or indeed of anyone involved in dissident republican or other violent or terrorist activity, to come forward and provide any information they have to the police.

“We particularly want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Ballyquin Road, Dungiven, between Monday April 12 and Monday April 19.

“Today we have launched the Major Incident Public Portal, at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI21Q07-PO1, so that people can tell us what they know, send photographs or upload video or dashcam footage.

“I am appealing to anyone who has any information to talk to us. Please pick up the phone and tell us what you know on 101, alternatively on the anonymous Crimestoppers charity number on 0800 555 111, or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

“We all need to work together to bring those responsible for attempting to kill a three-year-old child and her mother to justice.”