Police were attacked with petrol bombs, rocks and masonry following three searches in Londonderry on Thursday
By Michael McBride & Rebekah Wilson
BBC News NI
Sixteen police officers have been injured by children “as young as eight” during disorder in Londonderry.
Officers were attacked with petrol bombs, rocks and masonry following three searches in the city on Thursday.
Police said violent attacks led to officers sustaining burns, head injuries and potential fractures.
Two men and a woman have been arrested under the Terrorism Act following the discovery of cash, handguns, grenades, ammunition and plastic explosives.
Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Mark McEwan said the significance of this discovery cannot be underestimated as the items “are military grade”.
ACC McEwan said their main line of inquiry at this time is the New IRA.
“These items are military grade, 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.
“My thoughts are with those officers injured in the course of their duties last night.”
Image source, PAcemaker
ACC Mark McEwan and ACC Bobby Singleton spoke at a press briefing on Friday
Police also said that some families were evacuated from homes as military-grade munitions were made safe in the area.
“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 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”.
“These were extremely difficult conditions for our officers, many of whom were in full personal protective equipment in that heat,” he said.
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.
Image source, PSNI
Some officers sustained burns, head injuries and potential fractures, ACC Bobby Singelton says
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”.
Image source, PSNI
A police Land Rover pictured with scorch marks after being attacked with petrol bombs
Speaking earlier, SDLP councillor John Boyle said the “very significant number of young people” involved was concerning.
“Things on the ground were quite significant and severe at some points,” Mr Boyle told BBC’s The North West Today.
Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton told the BBC’s Nolan Show the attacks on officers were “orchestrated”.
A number of other officers sustained injuries during the disorder, he added.
“It is a deeply concerning situation and once again we are seeing the result and impact of violence and the impact on our communities,” he said.
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The 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, police said.
Mr Boyle, a former mayor of Derry, said young people need to have the dangers of being involved in these incidents explained to them.
Educating those involved is a priority, he added, and said officers have been put at risk and damage caused to the local community.
‘Nothing to be gained’
Speaking on Thursday, PSNI Supt William Calderwood said police appreciate “the disruption search activity can have”.
But he said officers “presence in the area and activity we carry out is about keeping people safe”.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said there was “nothing to be gained from attacking police officers in Derry – the young kids involved are only putting themselves and their futures in jeopardy”.
The Foyle MP said the recovery of a suspected gun, ammunition and pipe bomb is “deeply concerning”.
The SDLP, he said, “will be meeting with the PSNI in the coming days to discuss these matters”.
