First Minister Rt Hon Ian Paisley MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have both condemned last nights attack on an off duty policeman in Castlederg as a despicable and cowardly act.
Dr Paisley said: "This is an attack on democracy and has no place in our society; there can be no turning back to the dark days of the past. The perpetrators who have committed this act must be brought to justice. My prayers and thoughts are with the policeman and his family at this very difficult time."
Mr McGuinness said: "The elements within our society who perpetrated this act have nothing to offer, they are without mandate or strategy and represent no one. I would encourage anyone with any knowledge regarding this attack to contact the police immediately and assist them fully in their enquiries. I would also like to commend the selfless actions of the passerby, whose quick thinking saved this police officers life."
