The PSNI have announced that a security alert in Creggan has ended and been declared "an elaborate hoax".

On the afternoon of Tuesday, 09 July, police where in the area investigating a sudden death in Mogowan Park when they discovered a suspicion device at around 7:45pm in Southway.

The PSNI implemented a public safety operation in the area to investigate the device, however police officers subsequently came under attack with paint and petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks being thrown at them. The disorder continued until about midnight, with some of those involved being described "children".

A 36-year-old man was arrested during the disorder on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remains in custody.

Derry City & Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: "The disorder that developed was utterly senseless. That disorder occurred as officers were dealing with such a sensitive incident is shameful.

"It also serves to damage local communities and divert our resources away from dealing with the things that matter most.

"There are reports of children as young as six and seven years old being involved. This is child criminal exploitation.

"We know from the work our officers do on a daily basis, what happened last night will have provoked anger in the local community and wider area."

Chief Superintendent Kearney added: "I want to reassure the community my officers will be out today working to remove drugs from the streets, responding to domestic abuse calls and protecting communities from those who seek to cause harm to the most vulnerable. I want to commend the officers involved last night."

An investigation is underway and anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1510 of 09/07/24. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org