Detectives recover weapon

Darren Thompson remains critically ill

Police investigating the shooting of a man in Londonderry have found a gun, ammunition and two pipe bombs.

They were discovered during the search of a house in the loyalist Lincoln Courts estate.

A woman has been arrested.

Two men are still being questioned about the gun attack which took place on Wednesday morning.

Darren Thompson, 22, from Harkness Gardens in the Waterside, man remains critically ill in Altnagelvin hospital.

He was was found lying at the roadside in Woodburn Park with a bullet would in the head. It is believed he was attacked as he walked to work.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan said on Thursday that he did not believe there was a loyalist feud in the city.

ACC Sheridan said those involved in recent attacks may be linked to loyalist paramilitaries and were therefore able to get access to weapons.

He was speaking after meeting political parties and members of the Policing Board.

Detective Superintendent Patrick Steele, who is leading the investigation, said he was aware that some people in the community were shielding those responsible by withholding information or concealing evidence.

"Withholding information about an attempted murder is a serious matter and my investigation team will pursue those people with the same vigour as they will the person who pulled the trigger," he added.

On Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Richard Russell had said that links to a loyalist feud had been one of their main lines of investigation.

Appeal for calm

Mr Thompson has two brothers and two sisters.

Church of Ireland minister, the Reverend Derek Creighton, who has been comforting the injured man's family, has appealed for calm.

"A young man's life is gravely in danger because of what has happened. The last thing that should happen is for anyone else to come under that same risk," he said.

"I would appeal to anyone involved in what has been happening. If it is part of any ongoing feud, it should stop and stop now."

The police said Mr Thompson would have walked that route to work every morning.

They said it was a brutal shooting, in broad daylight, in a quiet residential area.

After the shooting a number of items - which had been set on fire - were found in Lincoln Courts.

Police are looking for information about any suspicious activity in the area in recent days.

Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any information is asked to telephone: [phone], or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.