Westland Road closed after viable pipe bomb device isdefused

POLICE in Londonderry are appealing for information following a security alert in the Eastway area today.

A report of a suspicious object was received shortly after 9am.  PSNI detectives suspect the device may have been thrown at a passing police patrol overnight but failed to explode

ATO were tasked, the road was closed and a number of residents evacuated from their homes.

Following a controlled explosion the suspect device was declared a viable pipe bomb type device. It has been taken away for further examination.

The road has now been re-opened and residents allowed home.

Those responsible have been condemned.

SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey said residents in the area, especially the elderly, were “extremely worried” by the incident.

Sinn Fein Cllr Eric McGinley also hit out at those responsible saying they were “not wanted” by the local community.

Police in Londonderry are appealing for information following a security alert in the Eastway area today, Thursday 12th June.

A report of a suspicious object was received shortly after 9am. ATO were tasked, the road was closed and a number of residents evacuated from their homes.

Following a controlled explosion the suspect device was declared a viable pipe bomb type device. It has been taken away for further examination.