Authorities have warned that this morning's attack in Belfast is part of a larger dissident republican plan in the lead-up to the Easter Rising Centenary.
This morning, an explosive device detonated underneath a vehicle, sending a prison officer to hospital with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening.
Now, authorities have warned that more attacks are planned, with Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris issuing a stark warning from PSNI headquarters today.
He said: "I believe that there are people within the dissident republican groupings who want to mark this centenary by killing police officers, prison officers and soldiers.
"We should not underestimate their willingness and their desire to kill. Someone made this device, someone transported it, someone planted it.
"We are working with event organisers to ensure they pass off peacefully and we will be culturally sensitive in our policing of the Easter Rising events.
"We ask for the support of the community. Be vigilant - if you see anything suspicious, tell us."
A number of houses in Hillsborough Drive, where this morning's incident occured, are being evacuated and an emergency centre has been opened up at the Salvation Army on the Cregagh Road.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said: “I am deeply concerned to learn of the bomb attack this morning in East Belfast which has injured an officer of the Northern Ireland Prison Service. My immediate thoughts are for the health and welfare of the injured officer and I convey my best wishes to him, his family and colleagues."
"This callous and cowardly incident must be utterly condemned. Not only was it targeted on an individual public servant, it represented a futile attack on the entire community which is determined to achieve a peaceful and reconciled society in Northern Ireland.”
