Two security alerts hit city as it tries to recover from car bomb attack
Two security alerts are causing widespread chaos in Londonderry.
A Royal Mail van was hi-jacked on Southway by four masked men - one reportedly carrying a gun just before 2pm this afternoon.
Two people inside were forced to drive it to Lonemoor road and leave it there..
Just hours before another alert was raised after a van was also hijacked on Circular Road by three masked men - who threw an object into the back of it.
This all follows a car bomb attack in the city on Saturday - which has created anger and frustration in the area.
Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell has condemned those behind security alerts in the Circular Road and Southway areas of Derry.
Cllr. Kevin Campbell said:
"Ongoing security alerts in Circular Road and Southway have caused significant disruption to local residents this afternoon with many homes being evacuated and the streets closed.
"Those responsible for this disruption have shown complete disregard for the people of Creggan, particularly elderly people who live in this area.
"There can be no justification for this type of reckless activity."
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: "Just before 1:45pm this afternoon, we received a report a delivery driver's vehicle had been hijacked on Southway by four masked men, one of them who is reported to have had a gun. The two occupants in the van were ordered to drive the vehicle to the Lonemoor Road and leave it there.
"We are in the process of implementing a public safety operation, establishing cordons and evacuating a number of homes.
"Sadly, within two hours today, we are dealing with a second security alert in the City, which means even more disruption for the local community.
"I know this second security alert and the measures we are taking to keep people safe will cause significant inconvenience for the local community, but we have no choice.
"I want to ask the public for their patience, and thank them for their co-operation while we work to make the scene safe."