A number of homes in Derry were evacuated late last night after a suspicious object was thrown a police vehicle close to Long Tower church in the city.
Sealed off: Charlotte Street.
Anne Street Community Centre was opened for those who had to move out of their homes in Charlotte Street where the incident occurred shortly before 11.00pm.
A number of residents were allowed to remain in their homes but advised to stay to the rear of their properties.
Charlotte Street, Barrack Street and the Lecky flyover were closed following the incident which occurred shortly before 11.00pm.
The army bomb disposal team have visited and left the scene but Charlotte Street remains sealed off awaiting the arrival of PSNI detectives to carry out a follow-up operation. The fly-over and Barrack Street, however, have been reopened to traffic.
Fr Eddie Gallagher, administrator of St Columba’s Church which is situated on Charolette Street, said residents were “shocked” by what had happened.
He said young children had to be carried from their homes in their pyjamas.
Fr Gallagher said: “A number of people have lived here for over 40 years and this is the first time anything like this has happened to them, even at the height of the Troubles.”
He added: “Thankfully, no was hurt or injured, police officers or local people. The community rejects this and they are not in favour of anything like this, they just want to move on. We wish that message would get through to people who are still involved in activities such as this.”
Fr Gallagher said he hoped the cordon would be removed or reduced in order to allow parishioners to attend 10.00am Mass in St Columba’s Church.
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has condemned the incident, describing it as “a disgrace.”
“There is no justification for this incident, which has now caused major disruption to a built up area close to the city centre.
“Residents have been moved out of their homes at a late hours This is utterly unacceptable and whoever is responsible needs to wise up – the Charlotte Street area houses a number of families and there are older people living in the area close by who do not need this kind of disruption.
“This activity achieves nothing, and anyone who has any information about this incident should contact the police at Strand Road.”
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