Children 'as young as eight' believed to be involved in Londonderry disorder

The PSNI says children as young as eight years old were involved in rioting in the Creggan area of Londonderry yesterday.

Sixteen officers were injured in the trouble, with officers attacked with petrol bombs, rocks and masonry following three searches in the city on Thursday.

The attacks led to officers sustaining burns and head injuries.

Two men and a woman have been arrested under the Terrorism Act following the discovery of cash, handguns, grenades, ammunition and plastic explosives.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan says the weapons found were of 'military grade' and were an attempt to kill police officers.

"Not only was the intention here to kill and maim but there is a total disregard for the wider community, these items were being stored in a residential area in close proximity to a children's play area," he added.

ACC McEwan added that the main line of enquiry surrounding the weapons find was the New IRA.

Items seized by police during searches in Creggan

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