Northern Ireland

Derry security alert: PSNI searching for explosive device

Army bomb disposal officers and specialist search teams have arrived at the scene
Army bomb disposal officers and specialist search teams have arrived at the scene Army bomb disposal officers and specialist search teams have arrived at the scene

A SECURITY alert in Derry has continued into a second day with police saying they are searching for an explosive device.

Homes were evacuated and the area was cordoned off following reports of a suspicious object on Lonemore Road at Southway on Thursday.

Army bomb disposal officers and specialist search teams have arrived at the scene.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Mark McEwan said the officers were looking for "an explosive device, something that is in a very public area".

He said those who plant such devices "have absolutely no regard for the safety of the community".

The senior officer added that dissident republicans would be "a major focus of the investigation".

A respite centre was opened at the nearby Long Tower Youth Club for those residents evacuated.

There was also some traffic disruption reported as the affected area is near arterial routes into the city.

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney condemned those behind the security alert, saying residents felt angered by the disruption caused.

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