Derry: AK-47 and ammunition recovered in police searches

Both suspects remain in custody on Wednesday.

During the searches in Lone Moor Gardens, police said up to 60 people, some of whom were masked, gathered at the bottom of Southway.

Officers were attacked with fireworks, bottles and masonry.

“A number of police land rovers sustained damage, with wing mirrors being ripped off. Fortunately, no officers sustained any injuries,” the police said.

PSNI district commander, Supt Willy Calderwood, described the disorder as “disappointing and disheartening”.

“Our officers were in the area last night for the purpose of keeping people safe,” he said.

“That is our priority and through the public safety operation we have taken a weapon off the streets that could potentially be used to cause serious harm or, at the very worst, to kill.

“The attacks on our officers are incredibly disappointing and disheartening and I want to pay tribute to my colleagues for what they endured.

“They demonstrated courage and professionalism and restraint in the face of this violence.”