Anger after viable device delivered to Derry hotel

The hotel at Ebrington Squarey was evacuated in the security alert on Tuesday afternoon, as were a number of neighbouring properties.

A Halloween fun fair had been taking place in the area when the alert was first triggered at 3.20pm.

Army ammunition technical officers attended the scene in the Waterside area of Derry and carried out a controlled explosion on the package.

Police have condemned what they described as a “reckless and targeted attack” that caused “significant disruption and distress” to the local community.

The remnants of the package have been taken away for forensic examination.

Stormont’s Justice Minister Naomi Long described the incident as “shameful”.

“I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms; it is abhorrent to think a viable device has been placed in the vicinity of families and young people celebrating Halloween,” she said.

“It was an utterly shameful and dangerous act and the people behind it have shown absolutely no regard to the community or businesses affected.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the police officers who responded to this incident, once again putting themselves in harms’ way to ensure the safety of the public.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood branded the explosive device sent to a hotel in the area “despicable”.

The former SDLP leader said: “To target a hotel with a funfair nearby in the middle of Derry’s Halloween celebrations is absolutely despicable. Tourists have flocked to our city, families are enjoying the half-term break and people are out celebrating Halloween. This put hotel staff, guests and families, including children, at risk. We could have been waking up to a tragedy today.

“I would challenge the people behind this to explain why they are disrupting the life of this city in this way.

“There can be no twisted justification or logic for carrying out an act like this. The people of Derry are rightly repulsed at this and it was not done in their name.

“Today we will continue preparations for our Halloween celebrations and we won’t allow this act to deter from it. This weekend will show everything positive about our city in stark contrast to the people who carried out this thoughtless act.”

“The professionalism and courage of the police stands in stark contrast to those intent on bringing fear and disruption to our streets.”

Foyle MLA Julie Middleton said the incident was “deeply disturbing”.

“Those responsible hold no regard for human life, or the want for peace and prosperity in our city,” said the DUP representative

“Yesterday, at Ebrington Square there will have been families, including children, enjoying the Fun Fair, residents at their workplace, or enjoying a meal, as well as visitors and tourists at a nearby hotel.

“It is deplorable that a viable device placed in such an area.

“I am hugely thankful to the police service for their diligent work this evening in keeping our community calm and safe.

“I now strongly appeal to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it to be, to please pass this information on to the PSNI.

“To those responsible for this attack, I say shame on you.

“Your vile actions, wicked thought processes and disgusting behaviour are not welcome.”

Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly reckless”.

“Those behind this incident have nothing to offer but the kind of trauma and disruption they visited upon innocent people this week.

“Halloween is a hugely positive time for this city. It represents the best of us and we won’t allow anyone to drag us back to the dark days which we have thankfully left behind.”

UUP Alderman Darren Guy said: “I believe the hotel was targeted because it opens its doors to anyone wishing to hold an event there.

“A recent careers event made the headlines when a local councillor objected to the RAF attending, saying the British military were not wanted in the city.

“Ironically, because of those who want ‘Brits Out’, the British Army’s ATO had to be brought back into Ebrington Square, the site of the old barracks, to deal with the device and keep the people of this city safe from harm.”