The scene at Ballyarnett Village during the alert.
The bomb discovered outside a house in the Ballyarnett area of Derry was capable of causing “great harm and even of killing,” a senior police officer has said.
Over 30 families who were moved out of their homes following the discovery late yesterday afternoon of a “suspect object” outside a house in a cul-de-sac at Ballyarnett Village.
Confirming the device was viable, PSNI Area Commander Tony Callaghan said he was not in a position to elaborate on the nature of the device but it was capable of “causing great harm and even death.”
He added: “I am thankful to the residents of Ballyarnett Village for their understanding and patience throughout the alert and I ask them to continue to support us as we carry out our investigation in the area this morning.”
The incident has been widely condemned
SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins said she was “utterly disgusted” at the actions of those who left the device in a built up residential area.
She added: “Families had to be evacuated out of their homes for hours.
“Once again, whoever this is, has shown disregard for the people of this area and these actions which could have caused serious injuries can only be condemned by everyone.”
Sinn Fein Cllr Sandra Duffy, who visited the scene, the alert had been “very upsetting” for residents in the area.
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