THE STORMONT leader and the chief constable have stood together in united condemnation of the latest suspected dissident republican attack.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said it was a day for “strong condemnation, not political nonsense,” in the aftermath of a car bomb attack on Dunmurry police station, which is believed to be the work of the New IRA.

A male delivery driver was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast on Saturday, a device placed inside the vehicle, and he was ordered to drive to Dunmurry police station.

The car exploded outside the station as people were being evacuated.

The incident is being treated by police as attempted murder.

The incident came just weeks after an attempted car bomb attack on Lurgan police station.

Speaking at a joint press conference at Parliament Buildings in Belfast, with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and chief constable Jon Boutcher, Ms O’Neill said they were sending a clear message of condemnation.

“We are absolutely united in condemnation of what has happened, nobody wants to see this on our streets, nobody wants to see the fear that that community experienced on Saturday evening,” she said.

“I don’t think this is a day for political nonsense. This is a day for us to be united in saying these groups have no place in our society, and it’s a day for us all to say collectively that anybody with any information whatsoever should come forward to the PSNI, because these people need to be dealt with before the courts.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: “Let’s send that clear message, let’s send that clear leadership, particularly to our young people coming up, that this is absolutely not for the future.

“It is not our present. It is not wanted, and we need to stand together against that.”

Mr Boutcher appealed for information to help his officers catch those responsible, “before these people actually harm or kill somebody.”

“I can promise you, we will use all of our resources to identify them and bring them before the courts.

“Again, I will appeal with anybody with any information about the people responsible to please, please, please contact us before these people actually harm or kill somebody.”