Suspected hide of dissident republican weaponry found in Derry
Police in Londonderry have turned up a suspected stash of weapons during an investigation into dissident republican activity.
A hide containing a suspected hand gun, a quantity of ammunition and component parts was discovered in the Southway area of the city at around 10am this morning with anti-terrorism officers being called to the scene.
The search resulted in the area being closed to traffic for a number of hours.
The weaponry was removed for further investigation.
Speaking about the find, Derry City and Strabane District Commander Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “Items such as these are lethal and were clearly going to be used to inflict serious harm and fear in this community.
“Whoever is responsible for burying these munitions does not care that these could have been discovered by a member of the public; nor do they care that these are intended to cause serious harm to a victim in the future – a victim from our community who will be someone’s child, mother, father, sister, brother, granny or granddad.
“Police are continually working to disrupt the work of all paramilitaries and today’s search clearly demonstrates our commitment.
“We know that the overwhelming majority of people living in this community do not want terror and harm being inflicted on fellow citizens by a shameful minority. Those involved in hiding guns or weapons want to cause harm, they don’t care who gets killed or injured. Their desire, to pursue violence and create more victims, has to be challenged.”
Superintendent McCalmont also appealed to anyone with any information about this hide, or any other type of paramilitary activity, to contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
He also extended his thanks to local people for their patience while Southway was closed today.
