The Easter weekend in Derry, Northern Ireland was marred with violence as Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers were attacked and four suspected pipe bombs were discovered at a cemetery following a republican Easter event. With tensions already high in the region due to ongoing Brexit-related issues, the situation has alarmed authorities and raised concerns about a potential rise in paramilitary activity. The incident highlights the fragile peace in Northern Ireland and the continued challenge of ensuring safety and stability in the region.
Police have found four suspected pipe bombs at a cemetery in Derry, Northern Ireland following a republican commemoration on Easter Monday. A senior police officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the discovery as “sinister and worrying”. The discovery led to the cemetery being closed to visitors for much of the day. The PSNI issued a statement that read: “All of these devices were located in the same area where clothes worn by participants in yesterday’s unnotified Easter parade were removed under the cover of umbrellas and burnt”.
Officers conducting a security operation whilst dealing with the suspicions of a suspicious device at 6.30am on 11 April were attacked with petrol bombs, stones and bottles. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton stated: “Last week we warned that we had strong community intelligence there may be attempts to draw police into serious public disorder in Derry/Londonderry, and to use that as a platform to launch terrorist attacks on police… The actions of those responsible are reprehensible and show a complete disregard and utter contempt for the community”.
Following the discovery of the devices, one home was evacuated and cordons were put in place. Two robots, normally used to examine suspicious objects, were seen moving within the cemetery. The police operation concluded later that day.
The discovery occurred after the proliferation of violence in the Creggan area of Derry on 10 April, when young people hurled missiles, including petrol bombs, at a police Land Rover monitoring an illegal republican parade. The parade commenced in the Central Drive area, with a group of masked men in paramilitary-style dress forming a ‘colour party’ carrying Irish and Republican flags. As the parade moved on to the City Cemetery, masked youths threw petrol bombs and fireworks at the police vehicle.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood commented: “People can’t get to the graves of their loved because of the actions of a few with no political mandate and no support” and hoped that “the city cemetery is made safe as soon as possible”. Liam Kelly, Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, praised the “steadfast and dedicated work” of his colleagues and called on the “many decent people in Creggan to tell the Police who the ringleaders are so that they can work to prevent them from inflicting devastating harm”.
