Police in Derry closed the City Cemetery in Creggan this morning amid reports of an explosive device in the area, elected representatives have said.
The operation comes a day after a police Land Rover was attacked with petrol bombs during a republican parade in the area.
Foyle MLAs Mark H Durkan and Gary Middleton said police have now been informed that an explosive device has been left at the City Cemetery, where Monday's parade concluded with a commemoration event.
Read more: Derry disorder: Police appear to pull back after petrol bombs thrown during republican parade
SDLP MLA and Policing Board member Mark H Durkan, writing on social media, said: "The police are currently carrying out a security operation in the City Cemetery, having been informed that an explosive device was left there."
He continued: "Even if it is a hoax - which I hope and suspect it is - the police can't take the risk of just going in and lifting it. The ATOs have now arrived.
"I have implored them to be as swift as possible to minimise disruption to people visiting loved ones' graves and, especially, to a burial scheduled for later this morning."
Mr Durkan added: "Once again, the people of Derry are caught in the middle of this dangerous game of cat and mouse.
"All that violence does is create victims. It's time to leave it behind for good and focus on building a fair and just New Ireland for all."
Following the dissident republican parade in Creggan on Monday, a crowd of people were observed forming a tight-knit group and blocking the view of those present with umbrellas before what appeared to be clothes were set on fire inside the cemetery grounds.
On Monday evening, PSNI Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: "As participants at the parade made their way out of the City Cemetery, they removed their paramilitary uniforms under the cover of umbrellas and burnt them."
Speaking to Belfast Live, Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: "On the back of what happened yesterday with the burning of the uniforms that were worn by those who were on parade and now subsequently with a device having been reported, that is deeply concerning.
"Not just for the people who are having to bury a loved one today in that cemetery who are being disrupted."
He continued: "I have been assured by the PSNI that they are going to do their best to accommodate the burial. That being said, if the judgement is that there is too big of a risk and there is potential for injury and loss of life then the PSNI won't be able to accommodate.
"The focus needs to be on those who are intent on causing disruption and on trying to put fear into the community. If our focus is placed on the actions of the PSNI then I think our focus is wrong."
Independent councillor Gary Donnelly, also speaking to Belfast Live, expressed concern about grieving loved ones being denied access to the cemetery by the PSNI.
"All the gates have been closed for some time," he said. "I've been contacted by people who buried loved ones as close as yesterday and they can't get in today.
"It's an absolute disgrace. The community and the people who are grieving are being used as pawns in a war as a result of British intelligence services."
The PSNI has been approached for comment but has yet to make a public statement about the operation at the City Cemetery.
In a statement issued shortly after 1pm, the PSNI confirmed they wree dealing with a "suspicious device".
Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: “We fully understand the level of concern and anger in relation to this, but we have absolutely no option but to take this action. Public safety is our priority, and we will never take any chances when it comes to protecting people and communities.
“This suspicious device is located in the same area where participants in yesterday’s un-notified Easter parade took cover under umbrellas and removed the paramilitary-style clothing they wore, and burnt them.
“A cemetery is where people pay their respects in memory of their loved ones. This callous and provocative move flies in the face of that. It is appalling.
“We will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum, and work through this operation as quickly as possible. However, I cannot stress enough that public safety is our priority and I want to thank the community for their support.”
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