The Glock pistol seized by police in Derry graveyard
THESE are the guns police have taken off the streets of Derry and out of the hands of violent dissident republicans hellbent on murder and mayhem.
The semi-automatic pistols along with a quantity of ammunition were found in a car in Derry city cemetery.
Police believe the guns were to be used to kill PSNI officers serving the community.
One of them is a Glock pistol, similar to those issued to police officers both on and off duty
The second is a Sig Sauer pistol, a favourite sidearm for members of special forces around the world.
The car was parked near the grave plots of recently deceased Derry residents.
After its discovery on Wednesday afternoon, relatives visiting family graves were evacuated from the cemetery for their own safety.
Relatives have described those who abandoned the car with guns inside as “scum” who had “no regard or regard for those visiting the cemetery or those buried there”.
Follow up searches were carried out today in the graveyard but nothing further was found.
It is the third weapon to be seized by police in the North West in a week.
Last weekend, a military style assault rifle and ammunition capable of piercing bricks was uncovered in Strabane.
The Sig Sauer pistol and ammo haul found by police in Derry graveyard
Derry police chief Supt Mark McEwan said the handguns uncovered are being linked to violent dissident republican activity.
Commenting on the operation, District Commander Superintendent McEwan said: “As part of a police investigation into violent dissident republican activity a policing operation was undertaken yesterday in the grounds of the City Cemetery.
“As a result of this operation police have recovered two semi-automatic handguns.
“These are weapons that are made and possessed with one purpose in mind and that is to kill or cause serious injury to people.
“Those involved are intent on carrying out attacks on police officers and the local community.
“I am thankful this morning to be able to confirm we have taken these weapons out of circulation.
“While the removal of these weapons is a success it is very worrying to think that, within the District, this is now three firearms we have taken out of circulation this week.
“I cannot say if these are linked but violent dissident republican activity is the main focus of our investigations into both seizures.
“I would appeal to anyone within the community who has any information about this activity or those who are involved in it to contact Detectives in Strand Road.
“I would also like to thank the community, this is a very sensitive area to have to carry out such an operation and shows the total disregard that those involved have for the people of this City.
“It has caused significant disruption and we will work hard this morning to try and bring the operation to a conclusion.”
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Detectives in Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101.
Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I am thankful that these weapons were now out of circulation.
“This is a sensitive area to carry out these operations and shows the disregard for the community on the part of those involved in this type of activity.
“In the district, this is the third firearm we have taken out of circulation this week.
“These are weapons that are made and possessed with one purpose in mind and that is to kill or cause serious injury to people.”
Debris lies on the road following a controlled explosion on a car found to have two guns onboard