Shots fired at police vehicles in north Belfast 5 December 2013 Last updated at 21:48 Three police vehicles have been hit by gunfire in north Belfast and the police are treating the attack as attempted murder. It happened about 19:10 GMT as the PSNI vehicles travelled along Crumlin Road, near Brompton Park, in the Ardoyne area of the city. There are no reports of any injuries. North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds, from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has blamed dissident republicans for carrying out the attack. Mr Dodds said it was a "clear attempt to murder police officers" who were travelling through the area in armoured 4X4 vehicles. "Thankfully no-one was injured in this attack but it is vital that those responsible are identified and brought to justice," the DUP MP said. "This would obviously appear to be the work of dissident republicans and I would hope that the community in Ardoyne will stand against those responsible and with the police as they carry out their investigations," he added. Residential area The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and the Alliance party also condemned those responsible for the shooting. SDLP councillor Nichola Mallon said: "Those behind this attack were intent on the murder of police officers and had no regard whatsoever for anyone who could have been caught in crossfire simply walking past. This is a built-up residential area, a stone's throw away from busy shops at the Crumlin road. "it is only through luck rather than design that we aren't now dealing with a greater tragedy." she added. Alliance councillor John Blair said: "There is absolutely no place in our society for this type of violence. The lives of police officers and residents in the area were put at risk. He added: "The majority of the public are opposed to the actions of those behind this shooting. People do not want to return to the dark days of the Troubles. Officers said the investigation was at an early stage and they have asked for witnesses to contact them. Chief Supt Clarke said: "Police are treating this attack as the attempted murder of officers as they were providing a service to the community of north Belfast. It is to be utterly condemned by all right-minded members of society and I urge anyone with any information to contact police immediately.