Northern Ireland

Four arrested during major Derry security operation

FOUR men were arrested in Derry during a major security operation targeting what police have described as “violent dissident republican activity”.

The men, aged 29, 31, 35 and 36 were arrested late on Sunday night and early yesterday morning.

Police mounted a major security operation in the Ballymagroarty area of the city with armed officers in riot gear assisted by the PSNI helicopter.

There were also reports of one man being arrested after police forced a car to stop at Forest Park shortly before midnight on Sunday. Witnesses reported seeing a man being led from the car in handcuffs. Police also searched fields and outlying areas around Groarty Road after it was claimed a number of men were seen running from the car.

PSNI Superintendent, Gordon McCalmont confirmed that air support was called in for the overnight operation.

“Police are able to deploy a number of different resources in certain situations to keep people safe," he said.

“The public should, however, be rest assured that our responses will always be based on the ultimate aim of keeping everyone safe, both the public and the police officers who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all.”.

The four men were arrested under the terms of the Terrorism Act.