L'Derry woman has lucky escape in controlled explosion

Police are reminding members of the public to respect the cordons put in place at security alerts.

Sean Haslett - Facebook
Published 3rd Jul 2017
Last updated 3rd Jul 2017

It's after a woman walked past a bomb disposal robot just seconds before a controlled explosion in Londonderry last night.

The device, which was left in the Glengalliagh Park area of the city, was later declared an elaborate hoax.

The woman wasn't injured but was left shaken.

Video footage of her close shave was shared online on Sunday night by a Derry resident. In the pictures below you can see the moment of the explosion which occurred when the woman was just metres from it and the aftermath when a PSNI officer ran to her aid.

Sean Haslett - Facebook

Inspector Mullan said: "We attended the area following reports of a suspicious object and ATO were tasked. We called to a number of homes in Glengalliagh Park and advised residents to leave their homes. Some residents agreed to leave their homes however a number of residents declined and were advised to remain inside their homes and take appropriate precautions.

"A resident left their home and walked past the suspicious object while attempts were ongoing to make the object safe.

"We spoke to the resident immediately after and, although she was shaken, she was uninjured"

Sean Haslett - Facebook

"Our investigation into the hoax device is ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101.