By Conor Sharkey

THE officer seriously injured in Monday night's bomb attack is determined to make a full recovery and return to work, a leading PSNI figure has said.

Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie spoke during an press conference at Maydown PSNI Station on Tuesday.

Constable Ryan Crozier was injured when a bomb exploded under his car in the village of Spamount, outside Castlederg. It is understood he was visiting a friend before setting off for night duty in Enniskillen where he is stationed.

Mr Crozier, a Catholic, sustained serious, but not life-threatening, injuries in the attack, which is being blamed on Dissident republicans.

Speaking at the press conference, ACC Gillespie said she shuddered to think what could have happened had it not been for the quick thinking actions of the passers-by.

"The constable involved was very seriously injured and while it will take time to recover, he is determined to return to work.

"I shudder to think what could have happened had he not been helped to safety, because the car is absolutely gutted.

"It is simply appalling that something like this should happen when this young man was off-duty," she said.

ACC Gillespie said that details regarding the actual device were still scarce, however Army Technical Officers were working at the scene.

"It is too early to get details about the device, however at this stage it does appear the bomb was attached to the under side of the car, as opposed to being placed at the roadside," she said.

The officer would not be drawn on who they believe was behind the attack, but said the PSNI were concerned that the attack could mark the beginning of a concerted campaign of violence.

"We have been warning about dissident activity for some time and we have had a number of incidents, including the shooting of an officer in Derry, in recent months.

"So while we are concerned and are taking this attack very seriously, we will in no way be deterred from delivering a police service.

"What we need is a community police service and we no longer want to operate behind the barriers that have been put up over the years.

"Finally, I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Spamount area on Monday to get in touch with ourselves.

We can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or the 'Crimestoppers' charity anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111," she said.