THOSE behind four suspected pipe bombs in Derry City Cemetery have been condemned as having "complete disregard and utter contempt for the community".
Visitors to the cemetery were turned away following the discovery of a suspicious object at the Lone Moor Road cemetery shortly after 6.30am on Tuesday.
A security operation got underway, with police discovering three other devices - all in the area where participants in an unnotified dissident republican parade in the Creggan area on Monday had removed paramilitary style clothing under the cover of umbrellas and burned them.
The Easter Monday parade was organized by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, and saw youths throw missiles at police vehicles.
As the operation was carried out on Tuesday, police were again attacked by youths throwing petrol bombs, stones and bottles.
There were no reports of officers injured, it was confirmed, while two vehicles were damaged before Tuesday's alert concluded and police left the area.
PSNI assistant chief constable Bobby Singleton said: "Last week we warned that we had strong community intelligence there may be attempts to draw police into serious public disorder in Derry/Londonderry, and to use that as a platform to launch terrorist attacks on police.
"That intelligence played out yesterday and today in the form of disorder, involving young children throwing ready-made petrol bombs and other missiles at police."
He described the suspected pipe bombs as a "further sinister and worrying development".
"The actions of those responsible are reprehensible and show a complete disregard and utter contempt for the community," Mr Singleton said.
"These suspected pipe bombs were left in a cemetery - a place where people lay loved ones to rest and visit to pay their respects. That is absolutely shameful.
"Colleagues from Terrorism Investigation Unit will now lead on this investigation. Anyone who can assist their investigation is asked to call police, or contact Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously.
"I want to thank my colleagues from across many departments who have been working tirelessly over the weekend and across Northern Ireland to ensure the community is safe.
He added: "We understand today's operation caused disruption, in particular to those unable to access the City Cemetery. Public safety was our priority. We thank the public for their understanding, and our partners in the community for their support."
Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the incident left people in Derry, "caught in the middle of this dangerous game of cat and mouse".
"All that violence does is create victims. It's time to leave it behind for good and focus on building a fair and just New Ireland for all," he said.
