Police have been targeted with petrol bombs after they found a suspicious object in Londonderry. A bomb was found after up to 80 police officers took part in a security search targeting the New IRA on Monday in Northern Ireland.
Fifteen homes were evacuated after the discovery which would have killed anyone who was near it. More than 40 petrol bombs and other objects were thrown directly at police during the security search. No police officers were hurt in the attacks. The bomb was made safe by Army bomb disposal experts at about 04:00 BST.
This is the mortar device discovered just metres from a family home in Strabane at the weekend. Superintendent Gordon McCalmont says the device was designed to kill police officers serving the community. pic.twitter.com/2bg4qPyCxM
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) September 9, 2019
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “This is a complex operation which is expected to continue throughout the night and we have advised those residents who have left their homes to make alternative arrangements.
“We recognise the upheaval this has caused and we are grateful for their co-operation and understanding.
“The focus of this operation is ensuring the people of Creggan are safe however it is concerning to see significant numbers of young people on the streets, late into the night, throwing petrol bombs and other missiles at officers in the area.
“The reality is this type of disorder contributes to the complexity of the policing operation and presents a real risk of injury to those involved.
“Already we have seen two incidents this evening where young people have sustained burn injuries as result of engaging in disorder.
“I would reiterate our appeal for those young people to return home and remove themselves from the situation.
“We are grateful for the support of community representatives in helping to reduce tensions and providing space for officers to carry out the necessary work to ensure this object does not present a risk to the people of Creggan.”
A 33-year-old man was arrested in connection with the explosive device but was later released.
Journalist Lyra McKee, 29, was murdered by the New IRA in the same Creggan Heights area in April as she observed dissident rioting.
