Sealed off: Westland Street.
The “suspicious device” which sparked a major security alert in Derry this morning was a viable pipe bomb, police have said.
British army bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on device which was discovered shortly after 9.00am at the lower end of Eastway.
A PSNI spokesperson said the device had been “taken away for further examination.”
The alert caused widespread disruption in the area with sections of Eastway, Westland Avenue, Laburnum Terrace, Westland Street and Beechwood Avenue being sealed off by police.
All roads have now been reopened.
A number of residents who were moved out of their homes have been allowed to return.
It is believed the device may have been thrown at a police vehicle overnight.
Those responsible have been widely 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 have appealed to anyone with any information to contact them at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101.
The PSNI spokesperson said if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they could contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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