This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-26495821
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Londonderry: Romanian families targeted with pipe bombs | |
(2 days later) | |
Two Romanian families were targeted in pipe bomb attacks in Londonderry at the weekend. | |
Police are treating the attacks at two separate houses in the Waterside area as hate crimes. | |
Nine people escaped injury. Four adults and a child were in a house at Lapwing Way when a device exploded at 01:30 GMT. | |
At about the same time, a second pipe bomb exploded at Lincoln Court . Four adults who were inside were not hurt. | |
Police believe the attacks are linked. Army bomb disposal officers were called after loud bangs were heard in both areas. | |
Local DUP councillor Drew Thompson said a letter-box had been blown off the door of one of the houses at Lincoln Court. | |
"One family said to me they heard a bang at about 01:30 GMT and they ran out, not thinking. | |
"They couldn't see anything, but it was only later on that they realised that there had been a partial explosion," he told BBC Radio Ulster. | "They couldn't see anything, but it was only later on that they realised that there had been a partial explosion," he told BBC Radio Ulster. |
The house at Lapwing Way was not damaged. | |
Mr Thompson said both families were very distressed by the attacks. | |
"They don't want to talk too much," he said. "There has been a heightening of tension in the area. Residents are concerned that this should happen in their area." | |
He urged anyone with information about the attacks to contact the police. | |
Pat Ramsey, the SDLP MLA for Foyle. said: "It appears that this appalling attack on homes in Derry was racially motivated, this is a very disturbing development. | Pat Ramsey, the SDLP MLA for Foyle. said: "It appears that this appalling attack on homes in Derry was racially motivated, this is a very disturbing development. |
"The devices used were viable and this disgraceful attack must be condemned by all in our community." | "The devices used were viable and this disgraceful attack must be condemned by all in our community." |
A police spokesman said the remains of the devices had been taken away for forensic examination. | |
They have appealed for anyone with information about the attacks to contact them. | They have appealed for anyone with information about the attacks to contact them. |