Dissident republicans planning attacks on officers on Easter Monday, says PSNI
Two Easter parades are due to take place in the Rosemount area in the morning and Creggan area in the afternoon
Last updated 6th Apr 2023
The PSNI has said it' has recieved strong community intelligence that dissident republicans are planning to launch terror attacks against officers on Easter Monday.
Easter Monday is the day dissident republicans traditionally mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising rebellion against British rule in 1916,Easter Monday is the day dissident republicans traditionally mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising rebellion against British rule in 1916, with a parade set to take place in Londonderry.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton: "It's going to be a really significant weekend for the PSNI.
"And there is also very strong community intelligence specifically coming forward in respect of Monday's events in Derry/Londonderry and a real concern that there may be attempts to draw police in to serious public disorder and to use that then as a platform to launch terrorist attacks on police as well.
"So going into our operation that's something that is very clearly right at the forefront of my mind, the minds of the commanders that will be delivering that and of course our officers as well."
It follows a statement from the Derry City and Strabane branch that two Easter parades are due to take place in the Rosemount area in the morning and Creggan area in the afternoon.
The PSNI said that organisers are legally required to inform police of such an event, but as of today (Thursday) organisers are yet to do so.
Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: "Consequently, both of these events are un-notified and will, therefore, automatically commit criminal offences if they go ahead un-notified.
We’ve been engaging with key community representatives in advance of both these events and we encourage the organisers to consider submitting the required documentation to The Parades Commission as there is still time to do so.
“As a Police Service, we have a professional duty to take steps to prevent offences from occurring, to maintain the peace and keep people safe.
“It is our intention to police these events proportionately on the day, however, if both events are unnotified that will require a larger police presence and operation than had these events been notified and legal.
“An evidence gathering operation will be in place in the city as these events take place, after which we will review any evidence gathered to identify any offences that may be committed.”
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