There has been condemnation on Tuesday afternoon for those who left a viable explosive device under the car of a young female police officer near Dungiven.
Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly MLA has condemned the attempted murder saying:
"The discovery of a device under the car of a young female police officer near Dungiven is disgraceful and I condemn it utterly.
"Thankfully she wasn't hurt but we could have been facing a very different scenario.
"This could have seriously injured or killed this young woman or anyone in the nearby area.
"At a time of increased community tensions this is the last thing that anyone wants to see.
"Those behind this reckless attack have absolutely nothing to offer society but more suffering and there have shown a callous disregard for the entire community.
"They need to bring their futile actions to an end.
"I appeal for anyone with information on this attack to report it to the police."
Police said this afternoon that the security alert at Ballyquin Road, Dungiven remains ongoing following a report yesterday morning (Monday 19 April) of a suspicious object in the area.
ACC Mark McEwan, Head of the PSNI's Crime Operations Department, said:
"I can confirm that the device is viable and investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
"We are treating this as an attack on a member of staff who also serves her community as a part time police officer."
First Minister Arlene Foster commented saying:
“I have spoken to the police officer who was targeted by terrorists last night in County Londonderry. I wanted to convey our support and utter condemnation of those who sought to harm her and her family. Reckless and futile.
“We salute her bravery and long service to our community.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“The attempted murder of a police officer near Dungiven is reprehensible.
“Those involved in this attack will not succeed in their regressive and toxic agenda.
“All politicians must unite against these reckless actions.
“We must keep building the peace for our children.”