SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney
The device contained an aerosal can with fireworks attached.
The weapon was later recovered by police and taken away for forensic examination.
The Ballyarnett Councillor said: “This is very worrying news for the local community in Shantallow.
“This dangerous device could have caused serious injury if it had exploded.
“I welcome the fact the PSNI have now retrieved the weapon and it will not be causing any harm to anyone.
“I am aware that some young people have been hiring these devices off in the recent weeks. The noise can be very disturbing and cause anxiety to vulnerable residents.
“This is really dangerous and I would appeal to all parents to speak to their children about this and encourage them not to get involved.”
“It is unfortunately only a matter of time before someone is prosecuted or seriously injured. I appeal to the local community to be vigilant.”
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