The security alert close to Derry’s police headquarters has ended.
Around 1,000 people were moved from their homes at the height of the alert which centred around the discovery of a mortar bomb in Lawrence Hill.
A family waking a loved one were among those who were evacuated overnight. All families have been allowed to return to their homes and all streets in the area have reopened to traffic.
Dissident republicans are being blamed for the failed bomb attempt which has been widely condemned.
PSNI Superintendent Stephen Cargin said those behind the attack had shown a “complete disregard” for innocent lives by leaving the device in a popular residential area.
Supt. Cargin added: “Close to 1,000 people had to leave their homes last night because of the misguided actions of the people responsible for this incident. It is only by good fortune that we are not talking about loss of life or serious damage to property.
“While the device will be forensically examined in due course it is safe to say that the intent here was to kill or injure and create fear within the community.”
Supt Cargin appealed to anyone with information about the device to contact police on 0845 600 8000.
He added: “Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The city’s Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly said the small minority of people who continud with acts of violence and destruction did not speak for the vast majority of people in Derry who are committed to peace and to working for a positive future.
He added: “This latest attack, which put over a thousand people out of their homes in the middle of the night, had the potential to kill or injure. Such acts will not be tolerated as we work for a new future for the city and region. These acts of violence continue to frustrate those of us committed to work for peace and reconciliation but it will not stop us from continuing with that good work>”
The Mayor also paid tribute to the police officers who despite being the target of the attack, worked at the scene in the middle of the night to evacuate residents to safety.