Stewart's Terrace security alert over

The PSNI has said the security alert in the Stewart's Terrace area of Rosemount in Derry has ended. 

Derry City and Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood said: "Shortly after 12.30pm this afternoon, Friday, September 8,  officers from the Terrorism Investigation Unit conducted a search of a house in the area. 

"During the search a number of items were located, resulting in a public safety operation being put in place, which involved a number of residents being evacuated from their homes. 

Security alert at Stewarts Terrace in Rosemount

PSNI in attendance

"The items have now been seized and will be subject to rigorous forensic examination in the coming days and weeks.

"A large group of people gathered in the area from around 6pm and threw a number of items at officers, including petrol bombs and masonry. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any officers injured.

"Police have now left the area and residents who were evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return."

Superintendent Calderwood continued: "The investigation remains ongoing and we continue to appeal to anyone who has any information that may assist to call us on 101 or through Crimestoppers. 

"Yet again, our officers had to deal with extremely challenging circumstances, coming under attack by large groups of people. This is reckless and criminal behaviour, and it has to stop. It is absolutely appalling and achieves nothing except harm to our community. 

"We understand the impact our operational activity can cause the local community and want to assure them we seek to plan activity to maximise safety, minimise any disruption, and remain grateful for their continued support."