NI’s first and deputy first ministers describe the attack in Dungiven as “reckless” and “reprehensible”.
A bomb has been left at the home of a policewoman near Dungiven in County Londonderry.
It was found on Monday and is believed to have been in a bag on the doorstep.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne said it was an “outrageous attack” on the officer and her family.
First Minister Arlene Foster has blamed dissident republicans. She and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have described the attack as reprehensible.
“I do give thanks that she has survived this dreadful murder attempt,” said Mrs Foster, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader.
“When I spoke to this lady earlier I gave her my prayerful support and indeed solidarity at this difficult time.”
“To the republicans who sought to murder this young mother, your campaign is futile, you will never succeed.”
Mr Byrne said the attack was a “stark reminder of the challenges still facing us all”.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said detectives were investigating the full circumstances of the attack.
Part of Ballyquin Road close to the village remains closed as police examine the scene. Police have said motorists should avoid the area.
Police have said the road, which is closed at its junctions with Camnish Road and Curragh Road, is expected to remain shut for some time.
The woman is a part-time officer who also works with the PSNI in a civilian role.
The police have said little about the nature of the attack, other than it involved a viable device.
It was not an under-car device.
Initial investigations will likely involve dissident republicans and the New IRA in particular.
Although weakened by the arrest of its alleged leadership last year, the group has been re-organising and the police have stated repeatedly it remains dangerous.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the attack as a “shocking and deplorable attempt on the life of a police officer that will rightly be reviled across the community”.
“Those behind this reckless attack have absolutely nothing to offer society and have shown a callous disregard for the entire community,” said the Sinn Féin vice-president.
“They seek only to drag our communities backwards; they have no place in our society and they should disband.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the incident was “attempted murder”.
“Those who try to attack public servants have nothing to offer the communities they claim to represent,” he said.
“I want to convey my support for the officer concerned.”
Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken said it was a “cowardly attempt on the life of someone who is courageously putting her selflessness to the good of all of our community”.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the attack was disgraceful.
“Those responsible and their warped agenda are putting police officers and our community in danger,” he added.
Stephen Farry MP, the Alliance Party’s deputy leader, said the community “must remain united in revulsion against terrorism”.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland said the officer’s dedication “to serving the community” was in stark contrast “to those who offer nothing but death and destruction”.
“Society has moved on and those engaged in such activity need to be consigned to the past,” the federation added.