A security operation has been launched at the cemetery in Londonderry ahead of Joe Biden’s arrival, where an Easter Monday republican commemoration was staged.
Two robots, usually deployed to examine suspicious objects, were seen searching between the headstones.
Police closed the City Cemetery in Creggan, writing online: “A public safety operation is currently underway in Creggan after a suspicious device was found inside the grounds of the City Cemetery off Lone Moor Road.”
Police in Londonderry have recovered four suspected pipe bombs from inside the City Cemetery following a public safety operation, PSNI stated.
A spokesperson from PSNI said: “These devices have been made safe and taken away for further forensic examination.
“All of these devices were located in the same area where clothes worn by participants in yesterday’s un-notified Easter parade were removed under the cover of umbrellas and burnt.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “Colleagues from Terrorism Investigation Unit will now lead on this investigation. Anyone who can assist their investigation is asked to call police, or contact Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously.
“We understand today’s operation caused disruption in particular to those unable to access the City Cemetery. Public safety was our priority. We thank the public for their understanding, and our partners in the community for their support.”
This follows yesterday’s illegal parade, during which a group of youth wearing masks threw petrol bombs and other missiles to armoured police vehicles.
A White House spokesman said Mr Biden is “more than comfortable” visiting Northern Ireland as he prepares to meet leaders from all five of Northern Ireland’s main political parties.
John Kirby said the President will be greeted by Rishi Sunak upon arrival in Belfast on Tuesday and the two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on Wednesday.
He will then head to Ulster University to deliver remarks commemorating the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Biden tweeted: “25 years ago, Northern Ireland’s leaders chose peace.
The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement ended decades of violence and brought stability.
I look forward to marking the anniversary in Belfast, underscoring the U.S. commitment to preserving peace and encouraging prosperity.”
(Image: PSNI)
