Derry search finds suspected munitions

Detectives from PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) found suspected munitions during a search operation in Derry on Tuesday.

The search was part of an ongoing investigation into the New IRA.

Detectives found a suspected firearm, silencer and a quantity of suspected ammunition, along with component parts of pipe bombs and other Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Two men, aged 36 and 59 were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Detective Inspector O’Flaherty said: “The seizure of these suspected munitions is hugely significant. We believe these would have been used in a violent attack on police with the aim of killing or, at the very least, causing serious injury.

“The fact that these items were found in a residential area also underlines the recklessness of those involved. It also shows the utter contempt they have for their own communities.

“No community deserves to live under this threat."

He continued: "Violent Dissident Republicans are immersed in a campaign to kill police. They are constantly trying to undermine the work of police to build safer communities.

“Every day police officers come into work, they go out into communities like Ballymagroarty and they work to build relationships and tackle the issues that matter to local people.

“Support and information from the local community is vital to fighting the scourge of terrorism. Anything you know, or anything you have seen - share that information with us and help us put these criminals out of business."

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