Mr Dickson said: “I am absolutely sickened that a prison officer has been targeted in this way. It was an appalling ambush which ultimately led to the victim’s death.
“There are no words to condemn this brutal attack, which is an attack on our whole society. Sadly there are still people focussed on keeping Northern Ireland in the past. They must not be allowed to succeed and communities must unite together to show their disgust at this attack.
“I would appeal for the local community to remain calm and to assist the PSNI as they begin their investigation into this attack.
“This is a human tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.”