Northern Ireland

Woman arrested over 2019 New IRA explosive device in Derry

The vehicle where the device was located. Picture: PSNI 
The vehicle where the device was located. Picture: PSNI  The vehicle where the device was located. Picture: PSNI 

A woman has been arrested by police investigating an explosive device linked to the New IRA that was found in a parked car in Derry in 2019.

The 36-year-old was detained in Derry this morning under the Terrorism Act.

She is being held as part of Operation Ledging, targeting the New IRA’s bomb making activities as well as the group’s storage of explosive devices and equipment.

The woman has been taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station for questioning.

The explosive device that was discovered in a parked car in Derry in 2019. Picture: PSNI 
The explosive device that was discovered in a parked car in Derry in 2019. Picture: PSNI  The explosive device that was discovered in a parked car in Derry in 2019. Picture: PSNI 

Police said they are also searching a property in Derry as part of the operation.

Detective Inspector Heaton from the Terrorism Investigation Unit said: “A 36-year-old woman has been arrested as part of our investigation into the discovery of a suspect device in a parked car following a search operation in the Creggan Heights area of Derry in September 2019. 



“The command wire initiated improvised explosive device, discovered in September 2019  was made safe by Ammunition Technical Officers.  Whilst there is no doubt the New IRA had intended to use this device to murder police officers trying to keep the community in Derry safe, it was also evident that, by bringing a bomb into a built up residential area, they had a total disregard for the lives of everyone living in Creggan.

Police have appealed for information.