A police operation is under way after a suspicious device was found in a cemetery in Northern Ireland.

The device was discovered just after 6.30am inside the grounds of the City Cemetery in Creggan, Derry.

Two robots, usually deployed to examine suspicions objects, were seen moving within the site.

Cordons are in place and access to the cemetery is being prevented – although one funeral was allowed to take place.

“We fully understand the level of concern and anger in relation to this, but we have absolutely no option but to take this action,” said Derry City and Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard.

“Public safety is our priority, and we will never take any chances when it comes to protecting people and communities.”

Commenting on the security operation, Foyle MP Colum Eastwood tweeted: “People can’t get to the graves of their loved because of the actions of a few with no political mandate and no support.

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“Hoping the city cemetery is made safe as soon as possible.”

It comes after police condemned a petrol bomb attack on officers during an Easter parade as “senseless and reckless”.

The incendiary devices were thrown at an armoured police Land Rover in Creggan on Easter Monday, while officers attended what they described as an “unnotified” march by dissident republicans.

The vehicle, which was being used in the monitoring of the parade at the time of the attack, was withdrawn from the scene and no one was reported injured.

Police said today’s device was found in the same area “where participants in yesterday’s un-notified Easter parade took cover under umbrellas and removed the paramilitary-style clothing they wore, and burnt them”.

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