Creggan Security Alert Ends

A security operation in the Creggan area of L'Derry has ended and residents evacuated from their properties have been allowed to return home.

The security alert began following disruption and attacks on police in the area on Sunday and Monday.

Three teenage boys were arrested after police in L'Derry were attacked with petrol bombs and other missiles on Monday night.

The attack began when a large group of young people assembled in the Circular Road and Creggan Heights area and began throwing stones and bottles at police.

Three boys aged 13, 14 and 16 were arrested during the disorder.

Officers were in the area at the time following Sunday night's bomb attack on a police mobile patrol in Creggan Heights. It is thought the pipe bomb attack was carried out by republicans.

The device was thrown at a police armoured vehicle and damaged a rear door when it went off.

A civilian car travelling behind had its windows blown out.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan said: "While we understand that residents are frustrated that the operation has taken some time to complete, this was unavoidable and an absolutely necessary precaution to ensure the safety of the people of this area.

"What we must remember in all of this is that police were subject to a murder bid here on Sunday night. We have all seen the pictures of the damage caused to the police vehicle and to the vehicle of another motorist by this explosive device. We are simply fortunate that no one, police officer or civilian, was killed or injured in that attack.

"It is a matter of deep sadness to me that some people took it upon themselves to attack police in the area last night. Dealing with public disorder in the midst of such a complex security operation was the last situation any of us wanted to be in. I am also aware of some concerns arising out of the operation have been expressed by a local representative. I have encouraged them to bring these to the Police Ombudsman for a full and independent investigation. I have also self-referred the matter to PONI myself."

Chief Inspector Callaghan said police had recovered a number of items that will form part of the ongoing investigation.

"At the present time we are not in a position to elaborate on the nature of the device however what we can say is that it was sophisticated and designed to murder police officers serving this community," he said.

(IT/MH)