WATCH: Attempted murder of off-duty police officer condemned

By Rebecca Black, PA

The attempted murder of an off duty police officer has been condemned by DUP leader Arlene Foster as an "outrageous attack on a public servant".

The male officer was confronted on his doorstep in Co Fermanagh by a masked man aiming a shotgun at him.

The incident, which took place in the Kesh area at around 2am on Thursday, is being investigated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland as attempted murder.

Mrs Foster said what happened must be condemned.

"The brazen attempted murder of a police officer in Kesh, Co. Fermanagh is an outrageous attack on a public servant and must be condemned," she said.

"It is a reminder of the threat and danger that police officers face on a daily basis as they try to protect our community."

A senior detective said she believes "organised criminal elements" may be responsible.

The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson also condemned the incident...

🎥 Politicians unite at Stormont talks to condemn the attempted murder of a PSNI officer in Fermanagh. @duponline @J_Donaldson_MP: “Reminds us of our troubled past...we’re determined to see Stormont restored to ensure political stability and no place for the men of violence” pic.twitter.com/hZfMdzhBSc

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 2, 2020

Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan also made an appeal to the public for information to help them catch those responsible.

"The male police officer was at home in the Rosscah/Crevenish Rd area at around 2am this morning when he noticed movement outside his property," she said.

"Upon opening his front door to investigate, the officer was confronted by a masked male aiming a shotgun at him.

"The suspect, who is described as being dressed entirely in black, then made off on foot across nearby fields close to the local football club.

"We firmly believe that this disturbing incident was a failed attempt to kill a local police officer."

Ms Mullan said the actions of those responsible "stand in stark contrast" to their intended target.

"There are no words to describe those who would creep through the dark of night with nothing but death and destruction on their minds," she said.

"Their actions stand in stark contrast to those officers, including their intended target, who every day police our communities with dignity, respect and courtesy.

"At the present time we are keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this attack however a primary line of enquiry is that organised criminal elements may be responsible.

"CID detectives have now initiated a full investigation, which I can assure the community will be thorough and robust.

"I would take this opportunity to appeal for the help of the people of Kesh and further afield in identifying this would-be killer.

"Were you in the Rosscah/Crevenish Road area early this morning? Did you see anyone or anything you felt was suspicious? Did you capture dashcam footage? Do you have any information about this crime? No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please get in touch.

"The investigation team can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference 126 02/01/20."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also condemned the attack...

🎥 Breaking news: Detectives in Fermanagh are investigating the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in Kesh. Officer at home 2am, opened front door, confronted by a masked man aiming a shotgun at him. Not injured. Gunman ran away. Reaction: @SDLPlive @columeastwood ... pic.twitter.com/8yUQGKIiQr

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 2, 2020