'Reckless and reprehensible' actions could have injured children

Police have released four men arrested in Derry last Friday after an attempted car hijacking and discovery of a explosive device.

The men, aged 54, 34, 32 and 29 were released on Monday following questioning by detectives investigating an attempted hijacking in the Hollymount Park area on Friday and the subsequent discovery of a suspicious device in the Corrody Road area on Saturday.

The investigation continues

Detectives continue to ask the public for their assistance with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1988 17/02/23.

They are also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dash cam or any other footage that could help the investigation.

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has said that the reckless incident involving a viable device in the Corrody Road area belongs in the past.

She was speaking after an attempted hijacking took place at the weekend, followed by a viable device being left in the Corrody road area, just metres away from where children were playing.

Ms. McLaughlin said: “The incident that took place this weekend involving a viable device is totally reprehensible and is made even more concerning by the fact that this device was found just metres away from a sports area where children were playing.

"It’s unthinkable that children could have been injured as a result of this reckless behaviour.

“My thoughts are with the delivery driver who was the victim of the attempted hijacking and who must be understandably very shaken, as well as with the wider community who should not have to put up with such disruption.

"There is absolutely no place in our communities for incidents of this nature and those behind the events of this weekend should be totally condemned.

"Incidents involving masked men with knives and firearms deserve to be consigned to history and have no place in Derry in 2023.

“People really want to move forward in Derry from this type of thing. I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward to police.”