A "fireball" bomb that was found next to the car of a Northern Irish police officer may have been planted by the New IRA group, police in Northern Ireland say.
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They said there is a "strong line of inquiry" that suggests the New IRA was behind the near-fatal bomb incident on Monday.
Mark McEwan, assistant chief constable at Police Service Northern Ireland, told reporters in Belfast that the officer had found a suspicious object next to her car in close proximity to her house in Dungiven on Monday.
When it was assessed by officers, police found it was a "viable device with explosives attached to a container" that contained flammable liquid.
"This was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim's car, anyone in it, anyone close by, anyone calling to the house or anyone in the proximity," McEwan said.
He added that it was placed at the rear of the car, directly where the officer's daughter sits.
"This demonstrates the complete and utter disregard for the life of a mother and her toddler," McEwan added.
"It is clear they are still intent in recklessly targeting honest, hard-working members of our community, and they have no regard for those they kill or harm in the process," he said.
"I appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of this attack, or indeed of anyone involved in violent terrorist activity, to come forward and provide that information to police."
The victim was chosen by the attackers because she is a member of police staff and a part-time police officer, he added.
The three-year-old was inside the house when the bomb was discovered.
First Minister Arlene Foster said Northern Ireland "will not be dragged back to bombs and bullets".
"I have spoken to the police officer who was targeted by terrorists last night in County Londonderry," she tweeted.
"I wanted to convey our support and utter condemnation of those who sought to harm her (and) her family. Reckless and futile. We salute her bravery and long service to our community."
Deputy Leader for Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said the "attempted murder" of the police officer was "reprehensible".
"Those involved in this attack will not succeed in their regressive and toxic agenda," she tweeted.
"All politicians must unite against these reckless actions."
The discovery of the device follows weeks of unrest in Northern Ireland over Brexit and the exoneration of politicians after they broke coronavirus rules at a funeral.
Australian Associated Press
