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Viable mortar device found in Londonderry security alert | Viable mortar device found in Londonderry security alert |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A viable mortar-type device has been found by police during a security alert in Northern Ireland. | A viable mortar-type device has been found by police during a security alert in Northern Ireland. |
About 1,000 people had to leave their homes because of the alert and several roads were closed. Only Lawrence Hill remains cordoned off. | About 1,000 people had to leave their homes because of the alert and several roads were closed. Only Lawrence Hill remains cordoned off. |
The police said the "intent was to kill or injure". | The police said the "intent was to kill or injure". |
Superintendent Stephen Cargin said: "This is complete disregard for innocent lives by those individuals who left the device. | Superintendent Stephen Cargin said: "This is complete disregard for innocent lives by those individuals who left the device. |
"Close to 1,000 people had to leave their homes last night because of the misguided actions of the people responsible for this incident. | "Close to 1,000 people had to leave their homes last night because of the misguided actions of the people responsible for this incident. |
"It is only by good fortune that we are not talking about loss of life or serious damage to property. | "It is only by good fortune that we are not talking about loss of life or serious damage to property. |
"While the device will be forensically examined in due course it is safe to say that the intent here was to kill or injure and create fear within the community." | "While the device will be forensically examined in due course it is safe to say that the intent here was to kill or injure and create fear within the community." |
At one stage road closures included Strand Road, Queens Quay, Asylum Road and Northland Road, between Clarendon Street and Northland Avenue. | At one stage road closures included Strand Road, Queens Quay, Asylum Road and Northland Road, between Clarendon Street and Northland Avenue. |
Most people have now been able to return to their homes. | Most people have now been able to return to their homes. |
SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said: "This had the capacity to cause catastrophic damage and suffering in our city. | |
"Those responsible for today's disruption must know that they will not break the spirit of this city and its people. | |
"We have endured too much to allow anyone to attempt to bring the past back to our streets. | |
"Those who have sought to hurt our city and our people will never win." |