Northern Ireland

'Nothing found' during searchrd for dissident device in Derry

Seaches have focused on the wider Racecourse Road area in Derry's Ballyarnett district.
Seaches have focused on the wider Racecourse Road area in Derry's Ballyarnett district. Seaches have focused on the wider Racecourse Road area in Derry's Ballyarnett district.

POLICE have said "nothing untoward" was found following fresh searches in Derry after claims a device had failed to detonate in the Ballyarnett area last month.

A number of searches have taken place after dissident group, Arm na Poblachta claimed a suspect device had been left at a roadside location.

It is understood warnings were issued to a number of people, including a priest.

In a statement earlier this week the group gave further details about the location of the device.

In the latest search, Skeoge Link Road was closed off throughout yesterday.

A key arterial route leading to the Foyle Bridge, the road closure caused major traffic congestion across Derry’s west bank.

Roads reopened yesterday evening after police said nothing untoward was found.

"We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while our officers worked to ensure their safety," a PSNI spokesman said.