Northern Ireland

'Lucky' escape after Derry pipe bomb attack

Montgomery Close in Derry, where a pipe bomb exploded in the early hours of Sunday morning
Montgomery Close in Derry, where a pipe bomb exploded in the early hours of Sunday morning Montgomery Close in Derry, where a pipe bomb exploded in the early hours of Sunday morning

POLICE have said that householders in Derry were "very lucky to escape injury" after a weekend pipe bomb attack.

The pipe bomb exploded in the front garden of a house in Montgomery Close in the Waterside area of the city at around 2am on Sunday, but no injuries were sustained or damaged caused to the property.

The motive at this stage remains unclear.

It is not first time the residential area has been targeted after two pipe bombs, which did not explode, were discovered at the estate in November 2017.

At the time a number of homes were evacuated as army bomb experts examined the devices and declared them viable.

SDLP councillor, Martin Reilly condemned the latest attack.

"We're lucky we're not dealing with a fatality here," he said.

"This is a built-up residential neighbourhood, home to families of all ages, young and old. What's not clear is the motive for this attack, but what is perfectly clear is that the residents in Montgomery Close reject this type of violence completely and want to live in peace. Anyone with information should contact the PSNI."

PSNI detective sergeant Richard Donnell added:

"Thankfully no damage has been caused to the property. However the occupants of the property were very lucky to escape injury.

"Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who saw any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area to contact detectives."