Police intercepted four mortar bombs designed to commit “mass murder” just minutes before they were due to be fired, detectives in Northern Ireland said today.
The live mortars were being transported in a van which had its roof cut back and were “primed and ready to go”.
It is believed dissident republicans were targeting Londonderry police station using the home-made devices.
More than 100 families were forced to leave their homes because of the overnight alert.
Two men, aged 35 and 37, were arrested at the scene at 8.15pm yesterday. One was in the van and the other was riding a motorbike travelling behind.
A 37-year-old man was arrested later after a house was searched.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Cargin called it “a reckless attack by dissident republicans to murder police officers in the city of Derry”.
He added: “These were people who were mindless, totally reckless, willing to drive four live mortar bombs through a built-up area with no regard to the people, the residents and the families living in the area. I have no doubt they would have caused mass fatalities.”
It is the first time dissidents have attempted this type of mortar attack and is thought to signal a major step-up in technical ability.
