A LETHAL explosive device left on a doorstep in a Dungiven was discovered by firefighters, who were called to deal with two bin fires.
The device, understood to be a pipe bomb, was placed at a home in the Ard Na Smoll area.
It was the third explosive device left in the Dungiven area in the last four weeks.
PSNI superintendent John Magill, who said a link between the incidents could not be ruled out, said the latest bomb had the potential to kill or injure.
"It was discovered by firefighters when they turned out to deal with two wheelie bins on fire at a house at Ard Na Smoll," he said.
"Those firefighters are local people giving up their time to help local communities in emergencies and were put at risk by this device.
"This is the third viable device uncovered in the Dungiven area in the past four weeks."
Mr Magill said two men were seen running away from the area at about 9pm on Monday.
"These incidents are not wanted in the Dungiven area, the condemnation of local political leaders and members of the community demonstrates that," he added.
"As well as being unwelcome, the devices have led to the disruption of the lives of many individuals.
"Once again the message to those behind the devices is - 'get off the backs of the community'.
"While it is early to comment on a motive or who was behind last night's device, the potential that it was linked to the other two cannot at this stage be ruled out.
"The particular appeal from detectives is for information about any unusual activity in the area. In particular, we want to hear more about two men seen running away at about 9pm."
