Police in Derry dealt with an security alert in the city on Sunday.
Officers responded following a report of a suspicious object located in the Lecky Flyover area of Derry.
A statement from the PSNI said: "A number of homes are being evacuated and motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route as access to the flyover via Barrack Street or from Rossville Street/Lecky Road is not possible."
Read more: Workers evacuated due to security alert after ‘suspicious object’ found
The security alert is now over and the suspicious object has been declared as a hoax.
District Commander, Superintendent Clive Beatty said: “Shortly after 6.40pm on Sunday, July 3, it was reported that a suspicious object was found in the area. Police and Ammunition Technical Officers attended the scene where the object was examined and has now been declared as a hoax.
“A number of residents who had been evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return. I would like to thank the local community and especially those directly impacted for their patience and understanding. Unfortunately, while in attendance, police came under sustained and senseless attack from a number of individuals armed with petrol bombs and paint bombs.
"These, along with masonry, bottles and other items were thrown at officers while they worked to keep people safe and make the area safe. A significant number of vital police resources were required to maintain cordons to ensure public safety, which detracted police from delivering key services to other victims and vulnerable people across the District.
"This shameful act of placing hoax devices brings nothing to the community other than disruption and frustration and needs to stop. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained but damage was caused to a number of police vehicles.
“Police are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, to contact police quoting reference number 1430 of 3/7/22.
"You can call 101, or you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ ”
A significant police presence was reported in the area with support being provided by the PSNI spotter plane and helicopter. Army bomb disposal units in two specialised lorries were also at the scene as darkness fell at around 9.30pm.
Earlier in the day the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge parade and Church Service was held in the city with the return leg finishing at around 5.30pm.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
