Police vehicles and bus damaged during hoax device operation in Derry

Following reports two devices were in the area, officers implemented a public safety operation in the Shantallow area.

A suspicious object was located on Glengalliagh Road, which was examined by ATO and declared as nothing untoward. A suspect device was later located in the vicinity of Greenhaw Road and examined by ATO and declared a hoax. The remnants have been taken away for further forensic examination.

The operation was the second in the area this week, and followed another operation on Wednesday which was eventually called off. The second search operation was then started yesterday on Thursday.

When officers were in the area, youths threw missiles, including masonry and glass bottles. A number of police vehicles were damaged. A bus window was also damaged.

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.”