Police come under attack during Derry/Londonderry security alert

by Q Radio News

Police have been attacked while attending a security alert in the Shantallow area of Derry/Londonderry.

They were carrying out searches following reports of two suspect devices. 

One was located on Glengalliagh Road, which was examined by ATO and declared as nothing untoward, while another was located in the vicinity of Greenhaw Road and later declared a hoax following examination. 

A PSNI spokesperson said during searches, "youths threw missiles, including masonry and glass bottles". 

A number of police vehicles were damaged and a bus window was smashed.

Derry & Strabane District Commander, Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "I am very disappointed people made a deliberate decision to go out onto the streets and engage in this type of anti-social and criminal behaviour. Their actions are unacceptable.

"We cannot underestimate the impact these incidents have had on our community, and we are grateful to the community for their patience and  for the support of community representatives who worked last night to engage with those involved to leave the area.

“We share your anger and frustration when incidents like this happen, but our overriding priority will always be the safety of everyone in this city.

"The investigation continues, and I am appealing to anyone who has information, or who saw any suspicious activity in the Shantallow area in recent days, to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1252 of 29/10/20."