A bomb was found this morning under the car of PSNI officer in Eglinton.
Fifteen homes in the Glenrandel area have been evacuated while army technical officers investigate the device.
The PSNI confirmed that an ‘under vehicle improvised explosive device’ was found at 2.30am this morning after ‘suspicious activity’ was reported in the area.
Superintendent Mark McEwan said that those who planted the bomb were “intent on causing murder and mayhem.”
“This device had the potential to harm not only the officer but anyone in that residential area and those involved have shown a blatant disregard for human life,” he said.
“We are obviously very thankful that this attack was thwarted and that no one was injured here this morning but this is a stark reminder that the threat against our Police Service and its employees remains at severe.”
Foyle MP Mark Durkan said that those who planted the bomb “don’t actually have a viable political strategy, no coherent message and it is not clear what the community want.”
DUP MLA Gary Middleton said Eglinton residents were ‘shocked and disgusted’ by the attack.
“I condemn those who carried out this terrorism act and hope that they will be brought to justice,” he said.
The PSNI are appealing for witnesses who may have seen vehicles leaving the area at speed after 2.45am to contact detectives at the Strand Road station or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
