Police confirm Derry security alert object was ‘viable explosive device’

An object placed in the back of a hijacked car abandoned close to Waterside PSNI Station at the weekend was a 'viable explosive device', police have now confirmed.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “Following further technical examination of the object recovered from a hijacked vehicle outside Waterside Police Station on Sunday evening (20th November), police can now confirm it was a viable explosive device.”

ACC Singleton added: “This further underlines the reckless and callous disregard by those responsible for the safety of the driver, the local community and the police officers who serve them.”

ACC Singleton concluded: “I would again appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Milldale Crescent in Curryneirin or in the vicinity of Waterside Police Station on Sunday evening around 10.30pm, to come forward with information on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Earlier this week police declared it is an 'elaborate hoax device meant to look like a car bomb'.

The weekend's security alert caused massive traffic disruption to the area following the hijacking of a delivery driver in the Curryneirin area of the Waterside at approximately 10.30pm on Sunday night.

Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that a viable explosive device left in a hijacked car outside a police station in the city could have had tragic consequences.

Mr Eastwood said it was disgraceful that a delivery driver was forced to drive the device to a police station in the Waterside, putting his life and the lives of the public and police officers at risk.

He called on those behind the incident to end their attacks on the community.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “The people who carried out this attack are acting against the will and the wishes of our community. They are targeting PSNI officers but their fight is with the people of our city who have chosen to live in peace.

"They will never win that fight. Nobody in Derry or anywhere on this island wants to see violence or bloodshed and we need to see these people taken off the streets. We will never build a new Ireland until these groups leave the stage once and for all, they only serve to disgrace the cause they claim to support.”