Last night’s pipe bomb attack on police in Derry was an “act of madness,” the chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has said.
The viable device was thrown at a police patrol at Charlotte Street but failed to explode.
The area was sealed off shortly before 1.00am and a number of residents were moved from their home during the alert which lasted several hours.
The attack took place around 400 yards where a controversial bonfire was lit on Lecky Road.
PFNI chairman, Mark Lindsay, said: “Thankfully, no one was injured but, of course, there was wholesale disruption because of the actions of mindless terrorists and their misguided supporters.
“Lives were needlessly disrupted and put at risk. A local community was left traumatised and in the end, nothing was achieved by this act of madness.
“Officers were once again targeted by dissident republicans, but that won’t deter them from doing their job in a professional manner.”
He concluded: “People who want to help their communities should isolate the perpetrators and come forward with any information which would assist in their arrest.”
Photo shows the scene during last night’s security alert at Charlotte Street. The device was found close to the white car
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.