Police have come under attack by youths in Londonderry for a second evening in a row.

Petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at officers during a security alert in the Rosemount area, which started on Friday afternoon.

The security alert ended several hours later.

On Thursday, 16 police officers were injured during disorder in Creggan involving children as young as eight.

They were attacked with petrol bombs, rocks and masonry, sustaining burns, head injuries and potential fractures.

Two men and a woman were arrested under the Terrorism Act following the discovery of cash, handguns, grenades, ammunition and plastic explosives.

On Friday afternoon, a number of homes in Rosemount were evacuated following a search of a house by officers from the Terrorism Investigation Unit.

Cordons were in place at Stewart’s Terrace, which was partially closed, as were adjoining streets.

Brooke Park Leisure Centre was used as a rest centre for people who had to vacate their homes.

‘Reckless and criminal behaviour’

Shortly after 22.00 BST the PSNI confirmed the alert had ended.

Superintendent William Calderwood said that during Friday’s search, “a number of items were located, resulting in a public safety operation being put in place”.

He said these would be subject to forensic examination in the coming days.

Supt Calderwood added that large group of people had gathered in the area and thrown petrol bombs and masonry at officers while the police operation was under way.

There were no reports of injuries.

“This is reckless and criminal behaviour, and it has to stop. It is absolutely appalling and achieves nothing except harm to our community,” Supt Calderwood said.

“We understand the impact our operational activity can cause the local community and want to assure them we seek to plan activity to maximise safety, minimise any disruption, and remain grateful for their continued support.”

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member for Foyle Mark H Durkan spoke to residents in the area as they cleared debris from the streets following Friday’s disorder.

“Local residents are disgusted,” he told BBC NI.

Earlier Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Mark McEwan said the significance of Thursday’s discovery could not be underestimated, as the items recovered “are military grade”.

ACC McEwan said the PSNI’s main line of inquiry is the New IRA.

“We believe the intention was to mount attacks in an attempt to kill police officers,” he said.

(Source: BBC)