Police are appealing for those behind a security alert in the Lettershandoney area of Derry to confirm if there is a bomb and its location.
They said that they have been provided 'inaccurate and conflicting' information in the past two days.
Police are currently dealing with the second security alert in the area in 24 hours.
A number of people have had to be evacuated from their homes.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "While the security alert in Lettershandoney continues this morning we would like to acknowledge the patience and understanding shown by those who have been forced to leave their homes because of the actions of violent dissident republicans.
"The criminal elements behind this incident don’t care about family life or the added stress they are placing on people forced to leave their homes.
"Over the past two days they have been telling us inaccurate and conflicting information through intermediaries regarding the location of a bomb they claim they left in the community.
"We are calling on those behind this incident to tell us exactly where the bomb is so we can deal with it alongside our specialist colleagues or indeed clarify if there is no bomb.
"Meanwhile our policing operation will continue so that we can ensure the area is safe and let these families return to their homes and get back to their lives."
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