14/10/2014

L'Derry Device 'Capable Of Killing'

A device found in a village in L'Derry during a security alert has been described by police as "capable of killing".

About 30 homes were evacuated in Ballyarnett on Monday night and have since been allowed to return.

Police said they could not yet provide any information on the size or type of device found.

Local SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney said "The PSNI have advised me that the bomb scare in Ballyarnett could potentially constitute a serious threat to property and to the safety of a number of local families who as a result have been evacuated out of their homes.

"This is very distressing for families many of whom were arriving home to this completely unacceptable disruption. This is a completely unacceptable and senseless incident in what is usually a very quiet area with many young families."

Ulster Unionist policing board member Ross Hussey said: "Whoever decided to leave a viable explosive device in the Ballyarnett area of Londonderry demonstrated a total lack of regard for the safety of local people – including children – and the security forces. It is little short of madness for which there is no possible excuse.

"Absolutely nothing was achieved except widespread disruption to many local families who had to leave their homes for the duration of the alert.

"This is the latest in a depressingly long list of incidents in the Londonderry area."

(IT/MH)

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