Update: Brandywell security alert has ended

A security alert in the Brandywell area of the city has ended.

The security alert caused disruption to fans leaving the Ryan McBride Stadium following the President’s Cup game between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers.

Among those who attended the match were Irish President Michael D Higgins and Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris.

Superintendent William Calderwood said: “Police received a report that a suspicious object had been found in the Celtic Court area at around 8.30pm on Friday, February 10th.

“Ammunition Technical Officers were tasked and declared the object an elaborate hoax.

"I want to thank the local community, in particular those who were directly affected, for their cooperation and assistance as we worked to keep people safe.

"Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch have commenced an investigation and are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident or anyone noticing any suspicious activity in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1955 of 10/02/23."