PSNI Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan.
The security operation carried following the weekend bomb attack on a mobile police patrol in Derry has been referred to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) by the officer in command of the operation.
Police were accused of being “heavy-handed” during the follow-up search during which they came under attack last night from up to 100 youths throwing petrol bombs, bottles and stones.
Three youths, aged 13, 14 and 16, were arrested. No one was injured in the incident.
Police were also criticised for the length of time they took to respond to the bomb attack which occurred shortly before 8.45pm on Sunday night.
The allegations were refuted by the senior police officer in charge of the operation.
Confirming the follow-up operation had ended Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan said it was “regrettable” residents were inconvenienced but stressed when it came to keeping people safe, police would “not take any chances.”
He added: “While we understand that residents are frustrated that the operation has taken some time to complete, this was unavoidable and an absolutely necessary precaution to ensure the safety of the people of this area.
“What we must remember in all of this is that police were subject to a murder bid here on Sunday night.
PSNI forensic officers examining the scene of Sunday night’s bomb attack.
“We have all seen the pictures of the damage caused to the police vehicle and to the vehicle of another motorist by this explosive device.
“We are simply fortunate that no one, police officer or civilian, was killed or injured in that attack.
“I am sorry that people have been inconvenienced by the police operation, that is regrettable however when it comes to keeping people safe, we cannot and will not take any chances.”
He added it was a “matter of deep sadness” to him that some people “took it upon themselves” to attack police in the area last night.
He added: “Dealing with public disorder in the midst of such a complex security operation was the last situation any of us wanted to be in.
“I am also aware of some concerns arising out of the operation have been expressed by a local representative.
“I have encouraged them to bring these to the Police Ombudsman for a full and independent investigation.
The damage caused to the police vehicle in Sunday night’s bomb attack in Creggan.
“I have also self-referred the matter to PONI myself.
“Ensuring public safety in circumstances where there is a clear and present threat from terrorists is always a complex, painstaking and time consuming task however it is my responsibility as Area Commander to make sure that the area is absolutely safe and that people are not being put at risk.”
CI Callaghan revealed as a result of the follow-up operation a number of items had been recovered which would now be examined and would form part of the “ongoing police investigation.”
“At the present time we are not in a position to elaborate on the nature of the device however what we can say is that it was sophisticated and designed to murder police officers serving this community.”
CI Callaghan concluded: “We would appeal to the community in Creggan to work with us to identify those responsible for this attack, to prevent further attacks and to allow the people of this area to live their lives free from the threat of terrorism and violence.”
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