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Villiers condemns Derry bomb as 'contemptible'

British Army bomb squad officers at the scene of one of the alerts at Waterfoot Hotel in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
British Army bomb squad officers at the scene of one of the alerts at Waterfoot Hotel in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin British Army bomb squad officers at the scene of one of the alerts at Waterfoot Hotel in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

BOMBERS who left a device at a hotel ahead of a police recruitment event in Derry have been branded "contemptible" by the Secretary of State.

The attackers intended to stop recruits from making the country a better place, said Theresa Villiers.

The device was discovered on Friday at the city's Waterfoot Hotel, and a controlled explosion was carried out.

A PSNI recruitment session is due to be held at the Waterfoot Hotel next week.

The Irish News reported that republicans are planning to hold protests at a number of venues being used as police recruitment centres.

Security alerts occured at another two venues across the north on the same day where hundreds of students were evacuated from Belfast Metropolitan College at Millfield near the city centre, and its Titanic Quarter campus.

Alerts were also declared at Strule Arts Centre in Omagh town centre, forcing the evacuation of the building.

Several businesses in Omagh also had to close as a security operation swung into place, while the Foyle Bridge in Derry was closed by a suspect device alert that was later declared a hoax.

Ms Villiers said: "This device was intended to cause injury and sought to stop those people who want to secure a career in policing to serve their community and make Northern Ireland a better place.

"It is a potent reminder of the threat the police and public still face from terrorism.

"The contemptible actions of those behind this incident are an affront to everyone who wants a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland."

Dissident republicans have killed a number of police officers in the past. Catholic officers have been particular targets.

Police have said the threat level is severe and are on high alert for more attacks.

Assistant chief constable Mark Hamilton said: "This device had the potential to harm anyone in the area and those involved have shown total disregard for human life.

"We are obviously very thankful that this attack was thwarted and that no one was killed or seriously injured.

"Clearly there are people out there in today's society who are still intent on targeting our police service and causing harm to our communities.

"We know, however, that the actions of these few misguided individuals will not stop people pursuing a career in policing."

Police have received approximately 2,400 applications in this current recruitment process.

The force is under pressure from financial cuts and faces making more savings as the political deadlock at Stormont affects all public spending.

Sinn Fein Stormont Assembly member Raymond McCartney said: "Those responsible for this bomb have nothing whatsoever to offer the people of Derry.

"Not only have they brought disruption to the city, they have also endangered the safety of hotel staff, guests, customers and passers by.

"Their reckless actions are so far out of touch with the views of the vast majority of the people of Derry.

"They need to listen to the voice of the people and end these futile actions immediately.

"These actions will not stop Sinn Fein from continuing to work to deliver transparent and accountable policing for the entire community."