Police investigating shots fired during bonfire at Meenan Square in the Bogside
It is believed to be the first gun attack targeting police in the city since the group shot dead Lyra McKee as she watched a riot in Creggan’s Fanad Drive on Thursday, April 18, 2019.
In a statement, using a recognised codeword, the New IRA said two members fired shots in the Bogside on Monday, August 15.
Police said reports were received at around 11.20pm on Monday that shots were fired near a bonfire.
It is understood a search was carried out at a house at Meenan Square, in the Bogside area, yesterday.
Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said “items were seized which are now subject to forensic examination”.
“This incident is reported to have occurred at around the time the bonfire in Meenan Square had been lit when we know there was a large number of people in the vicinity – an act that would be beyond reckless when so many people were present,” he said.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the incident could have resulted in injury or death.
“We have sadly seen in the not too distant past the consequences of bringing guns onto the streets,” he said.
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