Londonderry: Pipe bomb attack on elderly couple's home could have killed, say police

Police say a pipe-bomb attack on an elderly couple's home in Londonderry last night could have resulted in them being badly hurt or killed.

The device exploded after being thrown through a window when it happened in the Limewood Street area of Derry.

A security alert in the area is now over.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Mark Gingell said, “Police received a report at around 7.30 pm that an object had been thrown at a house in the area.”

“Officers attended and observed the remnants of what they believed to have been a pipe bomb device and alerted Army Technical Officers. The object, which has been declared as a viable suspected pipe bomb, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examination.”

“It is believed that this device was put through the window of the house and has exploded. This has caused damage to the property but could have led to the occupants being badly injured or even killed.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said, "An elderly couple have had a device thrown through their window in what must have been a shocking and distressing attack on their home. There is no excuse for it. The people responsible have caused an immense amount of disruption for this family and the local community. “

“If anyone has information about this attack I would encourage them to bring it forward to the police.”