Derry: Device left outside police station was viable bomb

What was believed to be a hoax device targeting police in Derry earlier this week has turned out to be a real bomb.

It follows further examination of the object recovered from a hijacked car, that was driven to Waterside police station on Sunday night.

Detectives now say it was a viable explosive device.

It marks the second bomb threat targeting the PSNI within the space of a week, after a separate attack in Strabane.

Police believe dissident republican group the New IRA is behind both attacks.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said, “Following further technical examination of the object recovered from a hijacked vehicle outside Waterside Police Station on Sunday evening (20th November), police can now confirm it was a viable explosive device.”

ACC Singleton added, “This further underlines the reckless and callous disregard by those responsible for the safety of the driver, the local community and the police officers who serve them.”

ACC Singleton concluded “I would again appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Milldale Crescent in Curryneirin or in the vicinity of Waterside Police Station on Sunday evening around 10.30pm, to come forward with information on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Meanwhile, a 50 year old man remains in custody in connection with the attempted murder of two officers in the failed bomb attack in Strabane last week.

Five other people who were previously arrested have been released after questioning

The search of a property in Sion Mills yesterday evening resulted in a number of items being taken away for forensic examination.

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