Attack on L'Derry home sparks overnight security alert
A car was set on fire and a petrol bomb was thrown at the property in the Seven Oaks area of the city.
Last updated 24th Jun 2018
Police in Londonderry are working to establish the motive behind an attack on a house in the Waterside area of the city.
Emergency services were called to the Seven Oaks area at 3.30am on Sunday to reports a car had been set on fire.
When firefighters found a small gas cylinder in the vehicle, the decision was made to call in Army Technical Officers and a security operation began. DUP Councillor Drew Thompson says a number of controlled explosions were then carried out.
Around 12 families had to be evacuated from their homes during the alert. Some of them spent a number of hours in the Foyle Arena which was opened for them.
Police believe a petrol bomb was also thrown at the house and there are reports graffiti was daubed on a wall.
One man was taken to hospital after sustaining injuries trying to putout the fire in the car. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Cllr Thompson says the attack could have had tragic consequences:
"It's a situation that shouldn't be happening, irrespective of what the reason is.
"I condem that and I condem the disruption to families having to get out of their homes at four o'clock in the morning."
The Deputy Mayor of Londonderry & Strabane, Councillor Derek Hussey, has also condemned whoever was behind this morning’s security alert:
Councillor Hussey said:
“Once again faceless individuals have conspired to bring disruption to the lives of innocent people and cause them to have to leave their homes.
“In 2018 people should not be woken from their beds by the Police at 5 o’clock in the morning and told to get out because somebody has decided to leave a suspect device in their neighbourhood.
“The entire community wants to live in peace and has a right to do so. I appeal to anyone in this City who can help the police track down those responsible for this incident - or any similar type of activity - to come forward immediately."
A statement from the PSNI said:
"Detective Sergeant Brian Reid would appeal to anyone with dashcam footage or anyone who noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area to contact detectives at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 367 24/06/18.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
The alert is now over and all evacuated residents have been allowed back into their homes.