The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said that about 15 homes had been evacuated in the Creggan Heights area of Londonderry. Police said it is “a complex operation” which is expected to continue throughout the night. Up to 80 officers are taking part in a security search targeting dissident republicans group, the New IRA.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said petrol bombs and missiles had been thrown at police, and two young people had sustained burn injuries as a result of engaging in disorder.

Assistant Chief Constable Hamilton described the operation around the suspicious object as “complex”.

He added: “This is a complex operation which is expected to continue throughout the night and we have advised those residents who have left their homes to make alternative arrangements.”

“We recognise the upheaval this has caused and we are grateful for their co-operation and understanding.

“The focus of this operation is ensuring the people of Creggan are safe however it is concerning to see significant numbers of young people on the streets, late into the night, throwing petrol bombs and other missiles at officers in the area.

“The reality is this type of disorder contributes to the complexity of the policing operation and presents a real risk of injury to those involved.

“Already we have seen two incidents this evening where young people have sustained burn injuries as result of engaging in disorder.

“I would reiterate our appeal for those young people to return home and remove themselves from the situation.

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“We are grateful for the support of community representatives in helping to reduce tensions and providing space for officers to carry out the necessary work to ensure this object does not present a risk to the people of Creggan.”

Sinn Fein Assembly member Karen Mullan said: “There is absolutely no justification for the actions which serve no purpose other than to put people at risk of serious harm and make the situation worse for local residents trying to get on with their lives, and they should stop now.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood added: “The brutal and sustained attack that officers have come under while trying to make our community safe is disgusting. Young people in this community are being manipulated and are risking their futures as a result.

“I would urge parents to contact their children and take them out of harm’s way.

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“People in this community will not be held to ransom by those who want to hold us all back.”

Meanwhile, a man, 33, arrested in connection with the improvised explosive device found during the weekend has been released.

During the confrontation PSNI called on parents to “come bring their children home” after young people gathered around the police operation.

Rathmore roundabout to Fanad Drive is closed, and diversions are in place.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the attack on police officers as “brutal and sustained”.

“People in this community will not be held to ransom by those who want to hold us all back,” he said.

The search comes after the discovery of a mortar bomb in Strabane, County Tyrone, on Saturday, which police have blamed on the dissident republican group the New IRA.

The police said the searches in Creggan were related to the group.

“Our search today is focused on public safety and extinguish that threat to the community,” said PSNI Supt Gordon McCalmont.

“Community support is key in this, we have disrupted 10 attacks. A key element is community support while we tackle the threat pose.”

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