SDLP councillor John Boyle
Said the for Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council: ““It is absolutely disgraceful that a number of residents, mostly elderly were evacuated from their homes last night.
“I have been in the area all night and residents were not able to return to their homes until the early hours of the morning.
“Clearly those behind this disruption have a blatant disregard for the community.
“There is no justification whatsoever for this type of behaviour. I would appeal to anyone with any information to call the PSNI or Crimestoppers.”
Police said ATO examined the suspect package and later declared it a hoax.
A 41-year-old man was later arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 over the incident.
