Real IRA Claims Responsibility For Derry Attacks

The dissident republican group, the Real IRA, has admitted responsibility for three separate attacks in Londonderry on Friday.

In two of the incidents, explosive devices were left outside two houses - one in the Shantallow area and the other in Kylemore Park in the Springtown area of the city. It is understood that the homes are those of the parents and sister, respectively, of a serving Catholic police officer.

The device in the Shantallow area exploded, damaging a car, while a suspicious object at Kylemore Park is being examined. A number of houses in the area were evacuated as a result of the incident.

The Real IRA have also claimed responsibility for the shooting of a man in the Drumard Park area of Ballymagroaty on Friday.

The man was shot in the legs and left hand, after a number of men forced their way into a house around 1:30am.

He is being treated in hospital, where his condition is described as stable.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan described the attacks as "cowardly and sinister". He said: "These actions have to be condemned and stand in stark contrast to the noble service of the young PSNI officers and recruits who have chosen to serve the public. Those responsible must realise that they will not succeed. The community and the country will remain resolute despite the increased disruption and threats from dissident elements over recent weeks.

"Anybody with any information on the utterly unacceptable shooting of a man in Ballymagroarty or any of these intimidatory attacks should give it to the PSNI so that those responsible are brought to justice."

(KMcA/GK)