A PSNI OFFICER has been killed following the explosion of a car bomb in Highfield Close, Omagh – the scene of the worst terrorist attack of the Troubles.

The 25-year-old victim, a local Catholic named as Ronan Kerr, was killed when a device placed under a vehicle outside his home detonated at about 4pm today, the Guardian reports.

The Taoiseach has strongly condemned the attack, saying:

I utterly condemn today’s horrific bomb attack in Co Tyrone. This was a heinous and pointless act of terror. Those who carried it out want to drag us back to the misery and pain of the past. They are acting in defiance of the Irish people. They must know that they can never succeed in defeating the democratic will of the people.

The Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams also condemned the attack, saying: “I want to condemn what happened in Omagh this afternoon. While not all of the information has yet come to light in relation to this incident it is understood that a young man has lost his life.”

Adams added: “I want to send my condolences to his family at this hugely traumatic time. Sinn Féin is determined that those responsible will not set back the progress of the Peace and Political Process.”

There is reason to believe that dissident republicans may be responsible for the attack. The BBC reports that, since 2007, a series of booby-trapped bombs have been placed under cars outside officers’ homes.

It is understood that the victim had recently joined the force.

RTÉ reports that the scene has been sealed off for examination by the PSNI.