Police officer shot dead in Ulster ambush
Updated on 10 March 2009
A police officer has been killed in another terrorist ambush in Northern Ireland.
The third killing in the province in three days has been described as an "evil deed by terrorists".
Orde: 'We are used to being attacked'
Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Sir Hugh Orde on last night's murder:
The shooting came as tributes continued to pour in following the murders of British soldiers Sapper Mark Quinsey, 23, and Sapper Patrick Azimkar, 21, on Saturday as they collected a pizza from delivery men at the gates of Massereene Barracks in Antrim.
The dead police officer, who is yet to be named, was gunned down as he and a colleague investigated reports of suspicious behaviour in Craigavon, Co Armagh, last night.
It is believed the dead man was an experienced officer who had been in the force for more than 20 years.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the latest shooting but the Real IRA said they carried out the Antrim killings on Saturday.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable Sir Hugh Orde said the dead officer was going to the aid of a terrified woman when he was shot.
He added: "We are used to being attacked - but we will not step back.
"It is a sad day for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"A police officer with his colleagues responding to a call for help from a vulnerable person in the community was gunned down.
"Let me be very clear on a couple of things. First of all, this will not put off me or my officers delivering the service we do to the communities we paid to protect. That will continue unrelenting as it has done in the threat that we have been facing for nine to 12 months.
"We will continue to deliver that service regardless of the threat but mindful of it."
He declined to link the shooting with the murder of the two soldiers.
Woodward: 'Despicable act of evil'
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward insists the attacks will not derail the peace process.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson said: "It is with great sadness that I have learned of the murder of a police officer in the Lismore area of Craigavon.
"This officer was serving his community at the time of the incident.
"I unreservedly condemn this evil deed and offer my sincere sympathy to the officer's family circle. The entire police family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
"I am sickened at the attempts by terrorists to destabilise Northern Ireland. Those responsible for this murderous act will not be allowed to drag our Province back to the past.
"On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party and the people we represent, I would urge the Prime Minister and the Chief Constable to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that innocent life is protected in the face of this terrorist threat across Northern Ireland."
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