Weapons and suspected acid recovered from church site in Co. Londonderry

Q Newsdesk

Weapons and suspected acid have been removed from the grounds of a church in Park village in County Londonderry.

Among the items recovered were two loaded shotguns, a quantity of ammunition, a number of knives, and blades.

The discovery was made by police who had been made aware of community tensions ahead of an event at St. Mary's on the Altinure Road yesterday morning.

A crowd of more than 200 people showed up and officers were forced to use batons when tensions between two groups escalated.

There are no reports of any injuries or arrests.

Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said:

“We were aware of community tensions in the area ahead of a planned event at a church yesterday morning. A crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the grounds of the church and we deployed sufficient officers to keep people safe and prevent disorder.

“However, as tensions between two groups escalated, it was necessary for officers to intervene and use minimal force including the use of their batons, given the number of people involved. There were no reports of any injuries and no arrests were made at the time.

“Following a pre-planned search of the area earlier in the morning, a number of items were seized including two loaded shotguns, a quantity of ammunition, a number of knives and blades, as well as a liquid believed to be acid. 

“Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 278 of 2/2/19.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.