Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Strand Road police station in Derry Alamy Stock Photo

Grenades and plastic explosives seized in Derry during evening of 'disorder'

The PSNI believes the New IRA intended to kill police officers with the grenades, gun and plastic explosive found.

THE PSNI HAVE arrested three people and seized weapons and cash during a policing operation in the city yesterday as youths threw stones and petrol bombs at police.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: “Late yesterday afternoon the Terrorism Investigation Unit conducted 3 searches as part of an intelligence led proactive counter terrorist operation, supported specialist officers.”

“In the first search, in the area of Dove Gardens, over £2000 cash was seized.  A further search then took place in the Southway area where we have recovered a handgun. 

“A third search in the Creevagh Heights area where we recovered:

  • 2 Military hand grenades
  •  A further handgun
  • Over 50 rounds of ammunition
  • And over a kilogram of plastic explosives

“Three people, two men and a woman, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act and remain in custody at this time.

“The significance of this recovery cannot be underestimated

“These items are military grade and we believe the intention was to mount attacks in an attempt to kill police officers,” he said.

“Whilst the investigation is ongoing, and while we keep an open mind, the primary line of enquiry centres on the NIRA.”

“Not only was the intention here to kill and maim, but there is a total disregard for the wider community.”

“These items were being stored in a residential area in close proximity to a children’s play area and any attack that would have been mounted would have taken place within our communities.”

“This is clearly extremely worrying for the wider community and for officers and staff, but be assured that the success of this recovery demonstrates our dedication to pursuing these groups, the professionalism of our teams and our dogged determination to bring these people before the courts.

“The investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward to Police. Please contact us 101 or through Crimestoppers.

“This operation has had a considerable impact.”

Speaking about disorder in Derry yesterday where projectiles were thrown at police officers, Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said:

“Following this operation yesterday police faced some exceptionally challenging circumstances.”

“Yesterday was an exceptionally warm day which combined with the time of day drew large numbers of youths to the area.

“Regrettably the situation quickly escalated with officers and their vehicles coming under sustained violent attack with heavy masonry and petrol bombs.

“Because of the material found police had to maintain a presence over an extended period for our security and public safety.

“These were extremely difficult conditions for our officers, many of whom were in full personal protective equipment and at this time we have 16 reported injuries to our officers from our Tactical Support Groups and our Local Policing Teams.  Officers who, today, will not be able to serve the community.  The injuries sustained include burns, head injuries and potential fractures.

“We are really proud of our officers who demonstrated not only real courage and professionalism but also amazing restraint in the face of this violence. Authorisation had been given for deployment and use of our AEP systems but no rounds were fired.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan continued:

“I want to pay tribute to our officers and staff against the backdrop of a severe terrorist threat, attacks against them within the last year, the attempted murder of DCI Caldwell, most recently the data loss and the events of the last week, they have continued to deliver a first class policing service protecting the most vulnerable, serving communities and pursuing those who seek to cause harm.”

“At every level, constable and sergeants, inspecting ranks, superintending ranks and our staff colleagues at every level across the organisation, have demonstrated their resilience professional and dedication.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
24 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:44 PM

    Mary Lou does her job as a public representative by asking the Tanaiste questions

    Joan Burton refuses to do her job by answering said question

    Mary Lou gets suspended for not tolerating this constant affront to our parliament any more

    FG/Labour, a democratic revoluition ™

    134
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shínner Ó Bhot
    Favourite Shínner Ó Bhot
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:07 PM

    Exactly. Unlike Moanie Joanie, Mary Lou answers all questions put to her and all questions put to Gerry too.

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ahippo
    Favourite Ahippo
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:54 PM

    I think Joanie answered the question saying she did not know (no surprise) and Mary aloo didnt like the answer.

    27
    See 10 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Kenny
    Favourite Tom Kenny
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:02 PM

    Mary Lou does her job by not allowing anyone else do theirs………………..yeah well done, Wind bag

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute emeraldninja
    Favourite emeraldninja
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:30 PM

    Who’s that looper coming out of the surf in Portmarnock today? ….Brave Bucko, must be test driving his flu jab. :)

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emma Flynn
    Favourite Emma Flynn
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:59 PM

    Who here thinks Noonan has actually has done a good enough job so far…….not good or amazing or anything like that,but just that he is solid considering what was handed to him to solve.Just people thoughts of him,coz for yrs and yrs and yrs the finance minister was always the lad that got the stick but to be honest I think nearly no one has said stuff about him since he came to office

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Prince of Burren
    Favourite Prince of Burren
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 12:03 AM

    can anyone find out how it took 110 gardai to arrest the young man in Sligo who had a shot gun who was sentenced today for 7 years. I though they were short of resources

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mc
    Favourite Paul Mc
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 12:10 AM

    Noon an the man who sent hepatitis sufferers to the grave defending the public purse and his investments and pensions yes you are right he deserves a knighthood in the new years honours list.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
    Favourite Sheik Yahbouti
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 12:46 AM

    Prince, I was astonished at the report myself. A lone looper with a shot gun inside a premises needs 110 gardai, armed units, canine units and god knows what else?

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Darby
    Favourite James Darby
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 7:49 AM

    Sheik, people just can’t be pleased. They took him alive, didn’t they. Would you rather they just sent a few snipers and take him out. Remember Abeylara. The furore went on for years and the public enquiry cost 20 million. And anyway what has that got to do with Michael Noonan.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Prince of Burren
    Favourite Prince of Burren
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 10:34 AM

    James, you should establish first what the Sheik was commenting upon. It was in response to my observation on the number of gardai it took (110) to apprehend that man in Sligo. If you think it is acceptable , perhaps you should join the current government party or Fianna Fáil. You can help them to bring our country even further to its knees……… Not that they need any help!!!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Darby
    Favourite James Darby
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 1:54 PM

    I understood that Prince so I’ll address my comment to you and still maintain that it’s valid. On the subject of wasting money and resources on gardai and security forces, what was spent in Sligo would be a very small drop in the ocean in comparison with the countless millions spent on security over the thirty or so years of the troubles or “war” or whatever you want to call it, involving, as it did, many of Mary Lou’s colleagues.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sccott Dudley
    Favourite Sccott Dudley
    Report
    Nov 15th 2014, 8:25 AM

    the CC rightfully and democratically told the riff raff to get out. mary loud tantrum just shows how pathetic she really is, meanwhile the SF/IRA child rapists prey on our children under the protection of SF. utterly reprehensible. have you even one ounce of decency mary lou?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tim Kearney
    Favourite Tim Kearney
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:56 PM

    I remember when IPhone Joan was on the opposition benches and saying alot of the same things that the shinners are saying today… what a turncoat… Labour Water Rat………

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jamie McCormack
    Favourite Jamie McCormack
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:30 PM

    George Orwell was right. Any sniff of power and you’re corrupted.

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ahippo
    Favourite Ahippo
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:55 PM

    It is called politics Tim… get used to it.

    12
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jamie McCormack
    Favourite Jamie McCormack
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:16 PM

    Could the shinners break the mould? Time may or may not tell.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ahippo
    Favourite Ahippo
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:29 PM

    No

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jamie McCormack
    Favourite Jamie McCormack
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:37 PM

    You seem pretty sure. You may be right, but we won’t know till we try it. Can’t be much worse than what’s gone before. Vested interests, the powerful and the greedy, may not be best pleased, but feck them for a change?

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Silent Majority
    Favourite Silent Majority
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 6:31 PM

    It can be much, much worse than what’s gone before. We have things pretty sweet in Ireland relative to most places, and personally I have my doubts a party of militant Marxists are going to turn us into all the good bits of Scandinavia if elected.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:48 PM

    Mary Lou is anti-democratic. She prevented our elected representatives (and regardless of what you think of them that is, for the moment, what they are) from doing their business. She was clearly instructed by Gerry (in whose headlights she appears to be caught) to stage some stunt to distract from the fact that he is known to have facilitated the ‘resettlement’ of sex abusers … at the very least. Joan Burton blathered. But she’s not in the blathering class of Adams, the master of evasiveness, half truths, whole untruths, twisting, spinning, flying first class, buying holiday homes, pocketing €1m in expenses at Westminster, protecting and even employing his brother…. but tonight, Mary Lou is the centre of attention. Tomorrow, Gerry will still be guilty…

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:54 PM

    Are you still being paid by Denis O’Brien’s Sunday World newspaper, Paddy?

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:03 PM

    Off you go again… do you think everyone employed by Denis O’Brien should just give up work? And who (God help them) if anyone employs you? Or is that hidden behind your cowardly pseudonym too?

    29
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:16 PM

    You’ve gone very quiet Were (you don’t mind if I call you Were?)

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:26 PM

    Sorry bout the delay Paddy, just putting the kids to bed….

    It’s just when I read this from you……

    “Tomorrow, Gerry will still be guilty…”

    It reminded me of your newspaper penchant for libel and defamation.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:27 PM

    Never sued. So. Are you telling us who your wonderful employer is. (My child in bed a while)

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:39 PM

    Last week, I challenged two Shinners to come with me to the family of a man murdered by the IRA to explain to them why they thought it was right that he was tortured and shot dead. They fell silent. Stopped posting. Now I have Mr Jammin seems to be unable or unwilling to tell me for whom it is he works. I asked, because he seems to think I, and all the others employed by him, should stop working for Denis O’Brien. Why the silence? Is it a trend? Or an instruction?

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Kenny
    Favourite Tom Kenny
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:05 PM

    It would be an instruction Paddy, but you’ll have another Sinn Fein Bot in to muddy your question and try to discredit you.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:13 PM

    It surprises me not one bit that cowardice is admired by Shinners.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute enda nolan
    Favourite enda nolan
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:19 PM

    Who was the person who was tortured and shot

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:23 PM

    Tom Oliver…. amongst others.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute enda nolan
    Favourite enda nolan
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:32 PM

    What happened Tom oliver was wrong like most deaths during the troubles

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gerbreen
    Favourite gerbreen
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 6:32 AM

    Followed up Paddy with a victim of a loyalist thug and then maybe a dub/mon victim? Or would such a journalistic approach not meet your personal objectives?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sccott Dudley
    Favourite Sccott Dudley
    Report
    Nov 15th 2014, 8:27 AM

    the lid is only coming off the endless abuse the SF/IRA death out to the irish people. 8 more SF/IRA abusers identified, the SDLP have told SF they want nothing to do with sectarian child abusers

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute cosmological
    Favourite cosmological
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:18 PM

    Just watching BBC and learning that some of the technology on the Philae is nearly 20yrs old. Imagine how much more power even this posting has in comparison – greater achievement than I first thought.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute emeraldninja
    Favourite emeraldninja
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:26 PM

    Incredulous when you think about it!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Darby
    Favourite James Darby
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:26 PM

    Hope Mary Loo has a nice warm sleeping bag, the heating hardly stays on all night.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:45 PM

    She left the chamber at 4:30pm when the Dail session was due to end, genius.

    Poor trolling, F-

    must try harder

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute FearCiarraioch
    Favourite FearCiarraioch
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:49 PM

    Hopefully – by the time An Dail resumes, this awful corrupt Government calls a General Election and that awful Ceann Comhairle rides into the sunset ?

    We might even get some Democracy in the future as a result ?

    64
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Boland
    Favourite Stephen Boland
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 9:49 PM

    Of course the heating stays on and the air conditioning as it does in many office blocks and the toilet flush automatically 24hrs and lights are seldom switched off either. I have first hand experience of many companies who don’t bother, especially banks.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shínner Ó Bhot
    Favourite Shínner Ó Bhot
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:03 PM

    Yeah James, you’re such a troll. And you misspelt “Lou”. The way you spelt it means toilet. Be careful next time.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Moran
    Favourite Colm Moran
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:09 PM

    James please keep up with the news Mary is well gone home. Are you another FG Labour troll, getting very common on here lately

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Darby
    Favourite James Darby
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:38 PM

    Sorry about that Shinner and I pride myself on my grammar and spelling. I hardly ever make a mistake.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shínner Ó Bhot
    Favourite Shínner Ó Bhot
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 10:52 PM

    No worries Séamus, we all make mistakes (except for SF btw).

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Kenny
    Favourite Tom Kenny
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:08 PM

    Shinner o bot, is Gerry really God ?? really really, is he ???

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sccott Dudley
    Favourite Sccott Dudley
    Report
    Nov 15th 2014, 8:30 AM

    poor idiot you would nearly feel sorry for her she looked so pathetic like a child leaving the headmasters office. but riff raff will learn manners the easy way of the hard way, you choice mary lou. now please stop deflecting from the disgraceful abuse your organisation you and your organisation are covering up

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thetruth
    Favourite thetruth
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:59 PM

    Whats with rumours that they are preparing emergency legislation for next week in the dail. The purpose of which is to take money from peoples wages and social welfare

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jamie McCormack
    Favourite Jamie McCormack
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 1:11 AM

    I have never seen such messing in the Irish media… no word on IW but lets go after the currently most popular party in the country and take it from there…

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute emeraldninja
    Favourite emeraldninja
    Report
    Nov 13th 2014, 11:28 PM

    What’s Russell Brand at? ..he picked up his irish brogue….. lifted straight from The Quiet Man?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Moynihan
    Favourite John Moynihan
    Report
    Nov 14th 2014, 1:42 AM

    First it’s not Sheffield Wednesday it’s Sheffield United and he isn’t employed by them he’s just training there.

    Also he was sacked by the club when he was convicted

    6
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds