Police attacked in Derry as they made the second arrest as part of the New IRA investigation

As police carried out searches in Derry on Tuesday as part of an investigation into New IRA activities, they were attacked by a crowd of up to 60 people.

The searches were carried out after an AK-47 and ammunition were discovered in a vehicle in the city earlier in the evening.

Two men in their 50s have now been arrested as part of the investigation

Although no officers were injured in the attack, a police spokesman described the unrest as “disappointing and disheartening.”

Masked people

At around 6.45pm on Tuesday, an AK-47 variant and a quantity of ammunition were recovered from a vehicle that was stopped and searched in the Letterkenny Road area of ​​the city.

The public safety operation was carried out as part of an ongoing investigation into the New IRA’s activities by investigators from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU).

A 56-year-old man was arrested at the scene under the Terrorism Act 2000 and taken to the Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.

Further searches were carried out later in the evening at Lone Moor Gardens and Rossnagalliagh, resulting in the arrest of a 59-year-old man under the Terrorism Act.

During the search at Lone Moor Gardens, a group of around 50 to 60 people – some of them masked – gathered at the foot of the Southway.

During a period of sustained unrest, officers and vehicles were pelted with fireworks, bottles, bricks and other objects.

None of the officers were injured, but several police vehicles were damaged and side mirrors were ripped off.

Guns taken off the streets

“Our officers were in the area last night to ensure people’s safety,” said Willy Calderwood, Superintendent of Derry City and Strabane.

“That is our priority, and through the public safety measure we have taken a weapon off the streets that has the potential to cause serious harm or, in the worst-case scenario, even kill.”

“The attacks on our officers are incredibly disappointing and disheartening and I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues for what they have had to endure.

“You have demonstrated courage, professionalism and restraint in the face of this violence.”

“We understand and recognize that operations of this nature can be disruptive and we always work to keep disruption to a minimum, but what we have seized shows that they are unfortunately necessary.”

“Last night’s attack is significant and should not be underestimated.”

He added: “While the investigation continues, I would like to reassure the community that we will continue to work to keep people safe.”

“This is of utmost importance. We continue to be grateful for the support of local communities and encourage anyone with information or concerns to contact us on 101.”