The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued an update after a mob of 30 youths attacked officers in Derry on Sunday night (March 12).
PSNI vehicles were targeted with bottles, brick and stones in Magowan Park, on the outskirts of Creggan. The violence flared after a search operation in the area earlier on Sunday.
A major police deployment was under way with sniffer dogs and ATO involved. The operation - in response to "violent dissident republican terrorism" - was centred on an abandoned farmhouse and fields in the Magowan Park area, not far from the Creggan estate.
READ MORE: PSNI come under attack from stone-throwing youths in Creggan area of Derry
In an update issued on social media at 10.45pm on Sunday night, the PSNI said: "Police Officers came under attack when bottles and stones and were thrown at them in the Magowan Park area of Derry/Londonderry this evening, Sunday March 12th, as they conducted a search operation in the vicinity of Brae Head Road in the city, in relation to recent violent dissident republican terrorism."
Chief Superintendent Neil Goddard added: "Shortly before 7pm, police officers came under sporadic attack from a group of approximately 30 young people who had gathered in the area and started throwing stones and bottles at them.
"Some damage was caused to police vehicles, but thankfully no officers were injured. Police liaised with local community representatives who assisted in moving the young people away from the area.
"Shortly after 7.30pm, police were also able to leave the area after concluding the search and the situation has now calmed."
DUP MLA Gary Middleton said on Twitter: "Shameful scenes in the Creggan this evening. Whilst PSNI officers are out trying to protect our communities from those who want to cause hurt and misery, they come under attack.
"Those involved are destroying their own area and preventing the PSNI from protecting their neighbours."
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