February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The blast happened at Spamount Village, outside Castlederg shortly after 9.30 p.m. on Monday.
The victim suffered serious leg injuries when the device exploded under his car. He has undergone surgery in hospital.
Local Ulster Unionist councilor Derek Hussey says a passer-by helped the victim, seconds after the explosion happened.
He said: “A civilian who was early on the scene was the person who removed the occupant from the car. We have to praise the courage of that individual who entered a car on fire and removed the person.”
The PSNI say the involvement of dissident republicans is a major line of enquiry.
Sinn Fein chairman of Strabane District Council Gerard Foley said dissidents were active in the area.
“I would just ask the dissidents to think about what they’re doing and don’t believe for one minute it’s the right way,” he said.
Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward, condemned the incident as a cowardly attack against a police officer who was serving the community.
He said those behind the incident will not be allowed to stand in the way of progress.