Two viable pipe bombs discovered in Londonderry security alert

Two viable pipe bombs have been discovered following an overnight security alert in the Skeoge area of Londonderry.

Police have said it is fortunate the devices were discovered before they exploded.

A public safety operation was implemented following a report shortly after 12.30am on Thursday that there were two devices in the Glenabbey Close and Beraghvale area.

The PSNI said close to two dozen homes evacuated as cordons were put in place in the immediate and surrounding vicinity.

Following attendance by ammunition technical officers and examination of the devices, police said two pipe bombs were declared as viable.

They have been made safe and removed, and will now be subject to further forensic examination.

Residents have been allowed to return home.

Chief Inspector Graeme Craig said: “This alert caused significant disruption for residents in the area with close to two dozen homes evacuated, including families with children.

“To have had to leave their homes in the hours of darkness, on a cold and wet night, will have been really unsettling, and caused massive disruption for people trying to get to work this morning and children attending school.

“This also caused disruption for local businesses who were impacted, trying to stock up with deliveries for today’s trading.

“Our thanks to everyone who was impacted, and who worked with us as we dealt with this situation.”

The officer added: “These devices have been declared as being viable and it is fortunate they did not detonate before they were discovered.

“There is no place for this and those who are responsible have absolutely no regard for the local community. It is reprehensible.

“Officers will maintain a presence in the area today as we conduct further inquiries.

“We appeal to anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious or untoward in the area in the last 24 hours to report it by calling 101, quoting reference 32 of 13/11/25.”

SDLP councillor Rory Farrell described the discovery as “extremely concerning”.

He said: “Had these devices gone off it could have caused devastation for this community, and storing them in such a place shows a total lack of care for the safety of those living in this area.

“We liaised with police overnight as residents, including young children, were forced from their homes in the cold and wet.

“Nobody’s life should be upended in this way and residents are rightly frustrated and upset at being subjected to this.

“I would ask anyone with any information to come forward to police.”