The Continuity IRA today claimed responsibility for shooting a police officer in the head last night, in a second outbreak of violence against security services in Northern Ireland.

The dissident group said in a coded message that the shooting in Craigavon was carried out by its north Armagh battalion. "As long as there is British involvement in Ireland, these attacks will continue," it said.

The latest victim was named as Constable Stephen Carroll, 48, a married man with a family from Banbridge in Co Down, who had more than 20 years' experience in the service.

Rank and file police representatives called for an urgent security review. "We are seeking an urgent re-appraisal of all aspects of the security situation and of the safety of members of the police and security services," said Terry Spence, chairman of the Police Federation.

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Pc Carroll was killed as he got out of his unmarked silver Skoda car in response to a 999 call from an address in Craigavon.

A terrified woman reported that a gang had smashed a window at her privately owned house, in a quiet cul-de-sac near a known republican stronghold estate where this morning Irish tricolour flags could be seen fluttering.

Sir Hugh told a press conference that, mindful of the high security threat, the officers "stood off for a sensible period of time" to check for any signs they might be heading into a trap, before two carloads of police drove in to deal with the woman’s call.

Pc Carroll and a colleague were providing cover to the other unit when he was shot in the head, apparently at close range. The attack looked like "a deliberate set-up", said the chief constable.

"We will pursue those responsible to the ends of the Earth," Sir Hugh said today, after briefing the Northern Ireland First Minister.

"We will deliver justice and we will allow the peace process to continue."

The attack has left Craigavon residents numbed and horrified. One father, close to tears, reported that his children were scared to walk to school past the scene of the killing, where forensic officers were this morning conducting detailed searches.

On Saturday night two British soldiers were shot dead as they collected a pizza delivery outside Massereene barracks in Co Antrim.

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