13/07/2006

Bomb alert at SDLP member's home a hoax

Army Technical Officers have carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious device found in Londonderry earlier today.

The object has since been described as an elaborate hoax and police are currently investigating the possibility that dissident republicans were behind the attack.

The object was found on the doorstep of the home of SDLP MLA and local district policing partnership member, Pat Ramsey earlier this morning by his daughter.

A number of houses in the area were evacuated while army bomb experts dealt with the device.

It has been reported that this is the fourteenth time that Mr Ramsey's house in the Bogside area of Derry, has been targeted in this manner.

In November last year, two suspicious objects were left at his home over a two-day period, however both devices were declared as hoaxes.

Earlier today, SDLP leader Mark Durkan commented on the incident.

He said: "Again the Ramsey family have been attacked and their neighbours have had to endure inconvenience.

"The Ramseys' response to this psychological torture has been typically courageous and resilient. They deserve the support of the people of Derry - and I have no doubt they have it."

(EF/SP)

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