POLICE in Derry have said that a dangerous item has been found in fields in the Ballymagroarty area following searches linked to ‘terrorists’.
District PSNI Commander Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “on Friday police in Derry were engaged in a public safety operation in the Ballymagroaty vicinity of the city.
“As part of this operation searches were carried out as police had concerns that terrorists may have left items in the area which would pose a risk to the public.
“We have located an item that could cause harm in the community. Further updates shall be provided as the operation progresses.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local people for their patience while we worked to keep them safe.
“I understand that searches can cause disruption and frustration, but our overriding priority will always be the safety of everyone in the community.
“I want to reassure the public that we remain committed to keeping people safe and we will continue to investigate and disrupt the activities of those who wish to harm communities in Derry City and Strabane.”
SDLP councillor Shauna Cusack said she had been assured by police that the operation was necessary to protect the public from a dangeerous item.
Said Cllr Cusack: “I have been informed by the PSNI that this search operation which commenced on Friday in grasslands behind Ballymagroarty could continue for a number of days.
“I have been assured that it is absolutely necessary and already something has been found which could cause considerable harm to the public.
“I have been told that this operation should cause no disruption to residents apart from minor security measures.
“I would ask that the public, especially young people to avoid the area given the unknown potential hazards,’’ she added.
