Police attacked as terrorism unit carries out searches in Londonderry

Police came under attack in Derry after disorder broke out as officers carried out searches.

Petrol bombs, rocks, masonry, steel poles and traffic cones were thrown at police, damaging police land rovers.

Police remain at the scene and have urged people to avoid the area if possible.

Police said detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) carried out three searches in Creggan on Thursday as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation. Two of the searches have been complete, while the third search is ongoing in Creevagh Heights in the Bligh's Lane area, police said.

In addition to a firearm and a quantity of cash found earlier during searches in Creggan in Derry/Londonderry today, 7th September, detectives have also found what is believed to be a suspected firearm, a number of suspected pipe bombs and a quantity of suspected ammunition. These will all now be subject to forensic examination. "During the searches, a quantity of cash and a firearm have been seized which will be subject to forensic examination," police said in a statement "Disorder developed this afternoon, at around 4pm in Creevagh Heights. Petrol bombs, rocks, masonry, steel poles and traffic cones were thrown at police, damaging police land rovers. Police remain in the area and would urge drivers to avoid the area if possible. Derry City and Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood said: "The search in Creevagh Heights is continuing. We appreciate the disruption search activity can have but I want to reassure you of this - our presence in the area and activity we carry out is about keeping people safe. That is our priority and we would appeal for calm."

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