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Two explosions at separate locations in Londonderry | Two explosions at separate locations in Londonderry |
(40 minutes later) | |
A massive security operation is under way in Londonderry following two explosions in the city. | A massive security operation is under way in Londonderry following two explosions in the city. |
The bombs exploded at Strand Road, close to the DHSS office, and at the tourist centre in Foyle Street, within ten minutes of each other. | |
There are no reports of any injuries. Homes and businesses in both areas were evacuated, following two telephone bomb warnings. | |
Police described the attacks as "reckless". | |
Officers had half an hour to clear the area when the bombs when off, shortly after 20:00 GMT on Thursday. | |
The BBC understands that the PSNI received a warning through a third party. | |
The PSNI District Commander in Derry Superintendent Stephen Martin said the attacks were "cowardly and callous". | |
"Thankfully we are not dealing with mass casualties or worse this evening," he said. | |
"The reckless acts of those who planted these devices stand in stark contrast to those of the brave officers who entered these areas to evacuate local residents and businesses. | |
"The people in Derry do not want this disruption. " | |
The extent of any damage to property is not yet known. | |
Former mayor of Derry Colum Eastwood said: "This is another attack on the people of Derry by people who are enemies of the city and enemies of Ireland. | |
"What we have tonight is a number of residents from a residential home having to be evacuated and put up in a city centre hotel." | "What we have tonight is a number of residents from a residential home having to be evacuated and put up in a city centre hotel." |
The Ulster Unionist leader, Tom Elliott, blamed dissident republicans for the attack. | |
"This type of fascism was part of our past. It has no place in our future." | |
The area remains cordoned off. Police have warned of considerable disruption to traffic on Thursday night and for much of Friday. | |
Last year, dissidents attacked the office used by the organisers of the UK City of Culture 2013 festivities. |