A police officer has been shot and wounded during a suspected drive-by attack in north Belfast.

The incident took place at a petrol station on the Crumlin Road.

Dissident republicans have attempted to kill members of the security forces in Northern Ireland in recent years.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) tweeted: "Officer shot and wounded at petrol station around 7.30pm."

The road has been closed while police investigate.

The Police Federation which represents rank and file officers said it was a terrorist shooting and added that their thoughts were with the officer and his family.

Democratic Unionist MP Nigel Dodds condemned the "despicable act".

It is understood the officer was shot in the arm in a suspected drive-by attack.

Mr Dodds said: "This is a deeply disturbing incident which echoes back to the kind of terrorism we used to face on a daily basis.

"My thoughts are with the officer who has been injured and I pray that the injuries sustained are not life-threatening and they can make a full recovery.

"These are scenes that we should all want to move away from in Northern Ireland. We must be mindful how a threat to the future of the political institutions can create a vacuum, which terrorists such as these will seek to fill.

"We must all stand against those who wish to use threats, intimidation and violence to further their political ends.

"It is vital we all stand against such activity and work to move Northern Ireland forward."

Nationalist SDLP assembly member Nichola Mallon said those responsible were calculating criminals, intent on destabilising a community which continues to make strides toward reconciliation, who will be rejected by local people.

She said: "Those responsible for this attack, not only on the individual involved, but on the progress that north Belfast has made must be brought to justice.

"This community has rejected the men of violence before and it will do so again. There will be no cover given to those who seek to destabilise our progress and bring mayhem back to our streets."