Four suspected pipe bombs have been recovered from a cemetery where dissident republicans held a rally yesterday.
The weapons were found at Derry’s City Cemetery in the same area where clothing was burned after the Easter Monday march which was marked by violent disorder involving petrol bombs being thrown at police. Police were again attacked during today’s security operation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the PSNI said they had found the devices “following a public safety operation” at the graveyard earlier today.
Read more: Police visit Derry cemetery amid reports of explosive device in area
The operation swung into action, the PSNI said, “following the discovery of a suspected pipe bomb in the cemetery just after 6.30am this morning”.
The statement added: “Following subsequent searches within the cemetery grounds, a further three suspected pipe bombs were discovered. These devices have been made safe and taken away for further forensic examination.
“All of these devices were located in the same area where clothes worn by participants in yesterday’s un-notified Easter parade were removed under the cover of umbrellas and burnt.
“For a time today, during the public safety operation, our officers again had petrol bombs, stones and bottles thrown at their vehicles. Two vehicles were damaged, but thankfully no officers were injured. The operation in the cemetery is now complete and police officers have left the scene.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton added: “Last week we warned that we had strong community intelligence there may be attempts to draw police into serious public disorder in Derry/Londonderry, and to use that as a platform to launch terrorist attacks on police.
“That intelligence played out yesterday and today in the form of disorder, involving young children throwing ready-made petrol bombs and other missiles at police. The discovery of these devices was a further sinister and worrying development.
“The actions of those responsible are reprehensible and show a complete disregard and utter contempt for the community. These suspected pipe bombs were left in a cemetery - a place where people lay loved ones to rest and visit to pay their respects. That is absolutely shameful.
“Colleagues from Terrorism Investigation Unit will now lead on this investigation. Anyone who can assist their investigation is asked to call police, or contact Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously.
“I want to thank my colleagues from across many departments who have been working tirelessly over the weekend and across Northern Ireland to ensure the community is safe.
“We understand today’s operation caused disruption, in particular to those unable to access the City Cemetery. Public safety was our priority. We thank the public for their understanding, and our partners in the community for their support.”
The police added that people with information should call 101, quoting reference number 428 of 11/04/23 or submit a report online using their non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. They adde that people can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
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