Londonderry: Police officers attacked by youths for a second evening
- Published
Police were attacked with petrol bombs, rocks and masonry following three searches in Londonderry on Thursday
Police have come under attack by youths in Londonderry for a second evening in a row.
Petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at officers during a security alert in the Rosemount area, which started on Friday afternoon.
The security alert ended several hours later.
On Thursday, 16 police officers were injured during disorder in Creggan involving children as young as eight.
They were attacked with petrol bombs, rocks and masonry, sustaining burns, head injuries and potential fractures.
Two men and a woman were arrested under the Terrorism Act following the discovery of cash, handguns, grenades, ammunition and plastic explosives.
On Friday afternoon, a number of homes in Rosemount were evacuated following a search of a house by officers from the Terrorism Investigation Unit.
Police made another seizure of "what are believed to be six improvised explosive devices, a quantity of ammunition and a machine pistol".
"The items will be subject to rigorous forensic examination," a statement added.
Part of De Burgh Terrace in Rosemount, which was among the streets partially cordoned off during a security alert
A machine pistol was uncovered in Friday's raid
Cordons were in place at Stewart's Terrace, which was partially closed, as were adjoining streets.
Brooke Park Leisure Centre was used as a rest centre for people who had to vacate their homes.
'Reckless and criminal behaviour'
Superintendent William Calderwood said that a large group of people had gathered in the area and thrown petrol bombs and masonry at officers while the police operation was under way.
There were no reports of injuries.
Shortly after 22.00 BST the PSNI confirmed the alert had ended.
"This is reckless and criminal behaviour, and it has to stop. It is absolutely appalling and achieves nothing except harm to our community," Supt Calderwood said.
"We understand the impact our operational activity can cause the local community and want to assure them we seek to plan activity to maximise safety, minimise any disruption, and remain grateful for their continued support."
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member for Foyle Mark H Durkan spoke to residents in the area as they cleared debris from the streets following Friday's disorder.
"Local residents are disgusted," he told BBC NI.
The violence comes as the PSNI faces a time of crisis in which the leadership of the organisation is under pressure.
Police uncovered cash, handguns, grenades, ammunition and plastic explosives on Thursday
Earlier Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Mark McEwan said the significance of Thursday's discovery could not be underestimated, as the items recovered "are military grade".
ACC McEwan said the PSNI's main line of inquiry is the New IRA.
"We believe the intention was to mount attacks in an attempt to kill police officers," he said.
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In a post on social media, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris thanked the PSNI for their work.
"This is a reminder a small minority are still intent on causing harm to the community," he said.
ACC Mark McEwan and ACC Bobby Singleton spoke at a press briefing on Friday
ACC McEwan said some homes had been evacuated on Thursday while the munitions recovered were made safe.
"Not only was the intention here to kill and maim but there is a total disregard for the wider community. These items were being stored in a residential area in close proximity to a children's play area," he added.
He said the actions of police were "absolutely necessary and proportionate" in the operation.
'Situation very quickly escalated'
ACC Bobby Singleton commended the work of tactical support teams and local policing teams during "difficult conditions".
He said as a result of injuries sustained, some officers "will be unable to come to work and serve the community".
Asked about the age of the young people involved, ACC Singleton said he was alarmed that children "maybe as young as eight" attacked officers.
Some officers sustained burns, head injuries and potential fractures, ACC Bobby Singelton says
The chair of the Police Federation, Liam Kelly, said that of the 16 officers injured, four required hospital treatment.
"Of all the items uncovered, it is the discovery of plastic explosives that is the most worrying development," he said.
He also said that the body will seek an assessment of Thursday's police operation.
The chair of the Policing Board Deirdre Toner has condemned those behind the attacks.
"The ferocity of violence and disorder directed against police officers during this search operation is condemned by the board and must be condemned right across the community," she said.
Ms Toner said "despite the recent challenges faced within policing", the board wanted to put on record their "appreciation to all officers and staff".
A police Land Rover pictured with scorch marks after being attacked with petrol bombs
SDLP councillor John Boyle said the "very significant number of young people" involved was concerning.
Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton told the BBC's Nolan Show the attacks on officers were "orchestrated".
Thursday's disorder started after police began three searches at about 16:00 BST as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation.
A suspected firearm, a number of suspected pipe bombs and a quantity of suspected ammunition were found.
Mr Boyle, a former mayor of Derry, said young people needed to have the dangers of being involved in these incidents explained to them.
- Published8 September 2023
- Published7 September 2023
