Police targeted in Derry explosion
Police officers have been targeted in a Sunday night attack in Londonderry which saw their vehicle damaged by an explosive device.
According to the PSNI, it was “extremely fortunate” that no one was killed or badly injured in the incident in the Creggan Heights area of Derry at about 8.40pm.
It is believed that a pipe-bomb type device may have been thrown at the police vehicle, hitting it and causing damage to a rear door.
A hole was also blown in the hedge of a nearby garden.
Reports of an explosion in Derry's Creggan estate. Hole blown in garden hedge. Residents say police car targeted. pic.twitter.com/13Ci47Yrd7
— Mark McFadden (@MarkMcFadden) November 2, 2014
Chief Inspector Alan Hutton confirmed that no officers had been injured in the incident.
He added: “This is not only a reckless attack on my officers, but also on the residents in this area.”
Chief Inspector Hutton appealed for the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.
SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said that local people had been left shaken.
“It’s simply through luck, rather than design, that this attack didn’t take the lives of police officers or residents,” he said.
“It’s simply an outrageous attack on this community.
“The perpetrators have nothing to offer but pain and misery that the people of the city don’t want, need or deserve.”
It comes after a number of incidents in the city in the last 24 hours, including two paramilitary-style gun attacks.
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney, vice-chair of the Assembly’s Justice committee, said the number of incidents in a short period was a “very worrying development”.
He added: “The people of Derry have made it clear over the years that they do not want this type of activity in their communities and they need to stop.
“The gangs behind these attacks have no regard for anyone and if they continue with this reckless agenda it is only a matter of time before a member of the public is killed or injured.”
There's no place for shootings, bombs or any form of terrorism in our city. The people of Londonderry won't be going back. #betterfuture
— Gary Middleton MLA (@Gary_Middleton) November 2, 2014
