Northern Ireland

Device which forced closure of Derry-Belfast road was 'viable pipe bomb'

Bomb disposal experts at the scene of a security alert on the main Derry to Belfast road close to Foreglen on Wednesday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Bomb disposal experts at the scene of a security alert on the main Derry to Belfast road close to Foreglen on Wednesday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Bomb disposal experts at the scene of a security alert on the main Derry to Belfast road close to Foreglen on Wednesday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A suspect device which forced the closure of the main Derry to Belfast road was a viable pipe bomb, police have confirmed.

Diversions were put in place yesterday morning after the device was found adjacent to the Foreglen Road on the outskirts of Dungiven.

Army technical officers made it safe before roads were re-opened.

Detective Inspector Bob Blemings said the device was removed for further forensic investigation.

“The device was discovered by police this morning following a call to a local hospital. We appreciate that the alert caused traffic disruption and we are grateful for the patience and support shown by the community and commuters.”

He called on anyone who was in the Foreglen Road area overnight on Tuesday and saw anyone acting suspiciously to come forward.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey condemned the pipe bomb and said he did not believe republicans were responsible.

“I know that there were children playing with a dog around that area yesterday morning. If that had gone off, they could have been maimed or even killed,” he said.

“No matter what the motive was, planting a pipe bomb where children play is never the way to deal with issues.”