Northern Ireland

Commercial explosives in bomb a significant development

The New IRA improvised device as found on a derelict car at Creggan Heights in Derry.
The New IRA improvised device as found on a derelict car at Creggan Heights in Derry. The New IRA improvised device as found on a derelict car at Creggan Heights in Derry.

THE use of commercial explosives in a “near-ready” bomb found in Derry has been described as “significant” by senior police officers.

Police believe the improvised device, found in the early hours of yesterday, was to be used to target a passing patrol in Derry’s Creggan area.

The New IRA device was found in a derelict car beside a vacant house at Creggan Heights during a planned area search. It is believed the search was linked to the discovery of a mortar bomb close to Strabane PSNI station on Saturday.

Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Hamilton said the bomb had the potential to injure or kill anyone within a 40-metre radius.

A number of families were evacuated from their homes following the discovery of the bomb but allowed to return yesterday morning. The device was found close to where writer, Lyra McKee (29) was shot and fatally wounded by the New IRA in April this year while observing a riot.

Police came under heavy attack after establishing a cordon around the search site on Monday night with up to 40 petrol bombs thrown. It is believed two youths suffered burn injuries while taking part in the attacks.

ACC Hamilton said: “The actual device itself we are describing as a command wire initiated improvised explosive device. That would be one that would be detonated by somebody watching for their target to pass by. Physically it’s not a very large device but actually the most significant element we believe is that it has commercial explosives in it and commercial explosives obviously pack quite a significant punch so to speak.

“It would have caused an awful lot of damage and injury to anybody nearby it. My assessment would be that it was probably to be used against a police patrol by the New IRA, probably in Creggan, trying to stop Creggan being policed.”

The senior officer said police were particularly concerned at the use of commercial explosives which, he said, were designed to make maximum impact.

“While the physical size of the device was not large itself, the explosives in it are very significant,” Mr Hamilton said.

SDLP leader, Colm Eastwood said the bomb was a “violation of the will of people in Derry”.

Mr Eastwood said: “Those responsible like to think that they are in an ages-old battle with crown forces in Ireland. They are not. They have set themselves against the peaceful and democratic wishes of the people of Ireland. Their fight is with us and they will never win.”

Sinn Féin MP, Elisha McCallion said the bomb put the entire community at risk.

“Those responsible have once again shown their complete and total disregard for the local community,” she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster paid tribute to the police officers who found the device.

She said:"Those who cling to the bomb & bullet try to use their community as a shield. For the sake of the next generation, these people need to be removed from our streets."

The bomb was also condemned by the Alliance Party, with councillor Philip McKinney saying it was “disturbing” that so many young people became caught up on violence while those behind the bomb hid in the background.