Man forced at gunpoint to drive suspicious object to Derry police station

A delivery driver has been forced at gunpoint to drive a suspicious object to Waterside Police Station at gunpoint,

The incident, which occurred at around 10.30pm, involved a number of men who forced the driver at gunpoint to abandon the vehicle – a grey Ford Mondeo - outside Waterside Police Station in Derry.

The driver was able to raise the alarm, and a public safety operation was immediately implemented.

Superintendent Clive Beatty acknowledges the significant disruption caused by the operation, but says the safety of the community is paramount.

Superintendent Beatty said: "This reckless and despicable act has brought chaos to the local community in Crescent Link this morning, with many residents having to evacuate their homes. Local businesses and a local school are also experiencing disruption this morning. This is unacceptable.

"This must have been a horrific ordeal for the driver and we hope he recovers from this traumatic incident.

Crescent Link remains closed between the roundabout at Kilfennan Link Road and Altnagelvin Hospital. Our officers are on scene and we ask that you follow their direction.

Superintendent Beatty added: "We are working to make the scene safe and appreciate the patience and cooperation of the public and, in particular, those who have been directly affected. We will keep you updated with any developments."

The security alert is continuing to cause disruption in the Waterside area of Derry this morning.

A number of people were forced to evacuate their homes late last night following reports of a suspicious object in the vicinity of Waterside police station in the Richill Park area.

Lisnagelvin Primary school is closing today as a result. A post on their social media reads, “I'm sure you are aware of the security alert at Richill Park.”

“Following recent communication with PSNI this morning, the area remains cordoned off and school cannot open.”

“To ensure everyone's safely school will NOT open today.”

An update from police this morning said, “Due to the security alert in the Waterside in Derry/Londonderry this morning (Monday, 21st November), Crescent Link is closed between the roundabout at Kilfennan Link Road and Altnagelvin Hospital.”

“Our officers are on scene and we ask that you follow their direction.”

“The security alert continues and, as we work to make the scene safe, a number of homes have been evacuated in the area.”

“We want to thank all those impacted for their patience and cooperation, in particular residents who have had to leave their homes as well as local businesses. We'd also like to thank local community representatives in helping organise emergency shelter.”

“We will update you with further details in due course.”

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.