Firearm And Ammunition Recovered From Suspected Terrorist Hide

A suspected firearm, a quantity of ammunition and component parts have been recovered from what is believed to be a terrorist hide in Co L'Derry.

As part of an investigation into dissident republican activity detectives from the Serious Crime Branch discovered a suspected terrorist hide in the Southway area.

Derry City and Strabane District Commander Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: "I can now confirm that my detective colleagues found a suspected handgun, ammunition and other component parts. These have all now been removed for further examination. 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. 

"And I would appeal to anyone who has any information at all about this hide, or about paramilitary activity of any type, to play their part in helping keeping this community safe by telling police what they know. You have the power to make a difference and help PSNI arrest these people, bring them before the courts and remove them from your neighbourhood.

"You can do this by contacting police on 101 or anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"I would also like to thank local people for their patience today while Southway was closed to enable us to remove these dangerous items."

Praising the work of the PSNI, Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton, said: "Today's find is believed to be related to dissident republican activity and sends a clear message that terrorism will not be tolerated in Northern Ireland. Due to the continuing work of the PSNI, terrorist activity has been thwarted by this find in Londonderry today.

"The PSNI are to be thanked and congratulated for their commitment to ensuring public safety, by preventing terrorist activity from taking place. The public are also to be commended for their vigilance and patience, particularly today when the Police carried out searches.

"I have tonight spoken with the District Commander Superintendent and will be continuing to liaise with the Police on these matters. I would urge the public to bring forward any information they may have to the Police."

(MH)