Northern Ireland

Homes evacuated during Co Derry security alert

SDLP councillor Martin Kearney
SDLP councillor Martin Kearney SDLP councillor Martin Kearney

HOMES were evacuated in Co Derry after a pipe bomb type device was discovered at a house.

Police say they received a report that a "suspicious object" was located at Tirkane Road in Maghera at around 4.50am on Monday.

The army bomb squad attended the scene and recovered the object which was described by police as "crude but viable".

It was taken away for forensic examination.

A number of homes in the area were evacuated before residents were later allowed to return.

SDLP councillor Martin Kearney condemned those behind the device.

"I condemn in the strongest fashion whoever is behind planting this suspicious device early this morning," he said.

"This has caused considerable disruption and inconvenience in a busy built-up area close to local houses, the chapel, the youth club and many businesses.

"The business community in particular have suffered enough in recent months.”

Sinn Féin councillor Brian McGuigan said "those types of devices are to be condemned".

"What is does is cause nothing but disruption for the residents that can't get out," he said.