Dissident republicans are believed to be behind a double-pipe bomb attack in Dungiven.
A security alert was launched at lunch time on Thursday after two suspect devices were discovered at Derrychrier Road near the County Derry town. The security operation continued throughout most of yesterday before the area was declared safe shortly after 4pm.
PSNI spokesman, Jeremy Lindsay confirmed that two pipe bombs were recovered and would be sent for examination.
Superintendent Lindsay said: “We are thankful for the cooperation and patience of the people of Dungiven as we worked to bring this incident to a conclusion and ensure the area was safe.
“As our investigation progresses I would ask anyone with information or who may have noticed any suspicious or unusual activity in the Derrychrier or Feeny Road areas of the town in recent days to please get in touch.”
Dungiven Sinn Féin councillor, Sean McGlinchey said dissident republicans were believed to be responsible for the attack.
“This is about the fifth or sixth time that this has happened in the Dungiven area and it has all the hallmarks of a dissident republican attack,” Mr McGlinchey said.
The Causeway Coast and Glens council member said Dungiven people were fed up with their area being treated as a “dumping ground” for discarded bombs.
East Derry SDLP assembly member, John Dallat condemned those behind the attack. Mr Dallat said they had nothing to offer the people of Dungiven or East Derry.
“While the rest of us are trying to create the conditions for investment in communities like this, these individuals are hell bent on dragging us back to hurt and heartbreak. They cannot succeed.
“I would encourage local people to give any information they can about this incident to the police. I want to see Dungiven operate as a thriving community that people want to live, work and raise a family in. We must all resister those who are trying to wreck that,” he said.
