A teatime security alert in Derry, sparked after republicans rang in two bomb warnings, has ended.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “This evening, police in Derry implemented a public safety operation in response to a bomb call.
“A caller, using a code word attributable to violent dissident republicans, stated that devices had been left at a garage on Strand road and at a hotel on the Culmore road.
“Both areas have been checked and no devices have been located. These reckless actions were clearly intended to cause significant disruption on a particularly busy Friday night, as the city continues to host the annual City of Derry Jazz festival. Both roads have now reopened.
“I understand the frustration felt and the disruption caused - and I would like to thank the local community for their patience this evening as we worked to keep people safe.”
Councillor Michael Cooper, the Sinn Fein representative for the area, also condemned the alert. He said: “This is the last thing our City needs with the Jazz Festival on and the Bank Holiday weekend. And it comes at the end of a week that has seen suspect devices left outside local homes causing hurt and upset to residents and chaos in local communities.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.
