Assault rifle seized in police operation

The assault rifle seized by police targeting the New IRA in Derry

The police have described the assault rifle seized during an operation targeting the New IRA in Londonderry as an AK-47 "variant".

A 56-year-old man was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Terrorism Investigation Unit following the search of a vehicle in the Letterkenny Road area, at about 18:45 BST on Tuesday evening.

The assault rifle and ammunition were recovered from the scene.

A second man, aged 59, was detained during follow-up searches in the Lone Moor Gardens and Rossnagalliagh area of Derry.

Bottles and fireworks thrown at police

Both suspects remain in custody on Wednesday.

During the searches in Lone Moor Gardens, police said up to 60 people, some of whom were masked, gathered at the bottom of Southway.

Officers were attacked with fireworks, bottles and masonry.

"A number of police land rovers sustained damage, with wing mirrors being ripped off. Fortunately, no officers sustained any injuries," the police said.

PSNI district commander, Supt Willy Calderwood, described the disorder as "disappointing and disheartening".

"Our officers were in the area last night for the purpose of keeping people safe," he said.

"That is our priority and through the public safety operation we have taken a weapon off the streets that could potentially be used to cause serious harm or, at the very worst, to kill.

"The attacks on our officers are incredibly disappointing and disheartening and I want to pay tribute to my colleagues for what they endured.

"They demonstrated courage and professionalism and restraint in the face of this violence."