THE PSNI in Derry have condemned disorder in the city last night while officers were in attendance at a security alert in the Moss Park area of the city.
Police were called to the area following a report of a suspicious device around 7 pm in the vicinity of St. Paul’s Primary School, which was being used as a polling station.
ATO attended the scene and carried out an examination and controlled explosion on the suspicious device.
On Friday morning police said the device has been declared an elaborate hoax and has been taken away for further forensic examination.
Moss Road has now re-opened.
When officers attended the scene they came under attack with five petrol bombs being thrown at them.
One of the petrol bombs thrown was in the Glengalliagh Park area where there was a number of children in close proximity to where it landed.
Police have recovered six petrol bombs from the area, along with 20 paint bombs and two crates of empty bottles.
Officers subsequently arrested three male youths, two teenagers aged 17 and a boy aged 12 in connection with the disorder.
All three are currently in custody assisting with enquiries.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “There is no doubt my officers were lured into the area on Thursday evening and that those involved in this orchestrated disorder had one aim in mind – to attack police.
“This was all the more reckless by the fact that one of the petrol bombs hurled at police landed in close proximity to young children who could have been left seriously injured, or worse.
“This security alert is the second this month in this area, impacting the same community that was disrupted on May 2 during local Council elections.
“It cannot be lost on anyone the disruption this has caused in the local community, let alone the potential for serious harm that could have been caused.
“I want to thank the public for their patience however when it comes to keeping people safe we take no chances.
“I would urge anyone who has information about the disorder on Thursday evening to contact police at Strand Road on 101 quoting reference number 1639 of 23/05/19.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
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