The New IRA is believed to have acquired Russian grenades stolen from the front lines in Ukraine

Plastic explosives have been discovered following riots in Londonderry this week. Photo: PSNI/PA

The New IRA is believed to have acquired stolen Russian grenades from the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

Counter-terrorism officers in Northern Ireland have seized weapons including plastic explosives and grenades, in Londonderry on Thursday.

“These items are military grade and we believe the intent was to carry out attacks to kill police officers,” said Mark McEwan, assistant chief constable.

Two men and a woman were arrested during the raids. , which followed reports that a terrorist group had obtained weapons and was planning to attack a police officer.

The arrests sparked riots in Londonderry, which left 16 officers injured.

Detonators were also discovered after the riots. Photo: PSNI/PA

The rioting continued for a second night on Friday, with Molotov cocktails thrown at Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Land Rover vehicles.

Police seized two hand grenades, a pistol, more than 50 rounds of ammunition and more. a kilogram of plastic explosives, as well as more than £2,000 in cash.

In February, two gunmen shot dead John Caldwell, an off-duty detective chief inspector. He survived an attack linked to the New IRA.

Sources told the Belfast Telegraph that the grenades found on Thursday were a new type used by the Russian army.

More and more weapons obtained during the war in Ukraine have found their way into the hands of criminal and paramilitary groups in the north. According to them, this is Ireland.

About 20,000 mercenaries from all over the world came to fight on the side of the Ukrainian army at the beginning of the war.

The number of stolen weapons has increased by the same amount. mercenary soldiers left as fighting intensified.

Mark McEwan, assistant chief constable of the PSNI, described the discovery as «extremely worrying». for the community and officers Photo: PSNI/PA

“Not only was there an intent to kill and maim here, but there was a complete disregard for the wider community,” Mr McEwan said on Friday.

“These items were stored in a residential area, in close proximity to a children's play area,” he added, before describing the discovery as “extremely concerning” for the public and officers.

» Rest assured that the success of this recovery demonstrates our commitment to pursuing these groups, the professionalism of our teams and our dogged determination to bring these people to justice.»

Last month, the PSNI announced that a major data breach had resulted in details nearly 10,000 officers and staff officers.

The data was leaked into the hands of dissident republicans, fueling security concerns and contributing to the resignation of Chief Constable Simon Byrne last week. .