A LETHAL home-made booby trap bomb has been found under the car of a serving PSNI officer near Derry.
The under car device was found at Glenrandel in Eglinton.
Around 15 homes have been evacuated and Army Technical Officers are at the scene trying to make the device safe.
The alarm was raised around 2.45 am this morning when officers observed suspicious activity in the area near the house.
The road is closed is currently closed while the examination continues.
The Foyle Arena on the Limavady Road is open for evacuated residents.
Supt Mark McEwan said the bomb was a “under-vehicle improvised explosive device”.
He added: “This device had the potential to harm not only the officer but anyone in that residential area and those involved have shown a blatant disregard for human life.
“This is yet another example of the cowardly elements in our society who show no regard for the safety of local residents and the police officers who serve their community.
“We are obviously very thankful that this attack was thwarted and that no one was injured here this morning.
“Clearly there are people out there in today’s society who are still intent on causing murder and mayhem.
“Glenrandel remains closed to traffic and residents and approximately 15 houses had to be evacuated during the early hours.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local residents for their patience and co-operation and assure them that we are taking every sensible step to keep them safe and minimise any further impact on them.
“The investigation is at an early stage and we would appeal for anyone who may have been in this area around 2.45am this morning or in recent days who may have witnessed anything untoward or noticed any persons acting in a suspicious manner.
“We are also appealing for anyone who may have witnessed any vehicles seen leaving the area at speed shortly after 2.45am to contact us.
“Anyone with information should contact detectives at Strand Road on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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