PSNI say under-car bomb in Derry alert was 'designed to kill'

By Rebekah Logan

A security alert in Londonderry has ended as the PSNI confirm the device discovered was an under-car bomb.

Dozens of residents were evacuated from their homes on Wednesday morning following the discovery of a suspicious object in Ardanlee, in the Culmore area of the city.

They were able to return to their homes late last night as the alert came to an end.

Detectives from PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch investigating the attack say it is being treated as attempted murder.

At the scene of a security alert in the Culmore area of Derry @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/oB7sHmX7SF

— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) February 22, 2017

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey said:

“The investigation is still at an early stage but I can confirm that the device was an Under Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device (UVIED).

“These are designed to kill and seriously injure people so I want to be absolutely clear that this device would have had devastating consequences if it had exploded with our colleague and his family in the car.

The PSNI believes “violent dissident republicans” were behind the attack.

“They didn’t care that his children or partner could also have been in the vehicle with him,” DCI Harvey continued.

“He is not just a police officer in a uniform – he is also a father, a brother and a devoted family man who puts on his uniform every day to serve the local community that he is a part of.

“It was extremely lucky that no-one was hurt and reinforces the fact that this small group of people have no regard for the safety of the local community or indeed the wishes of the vast majority of local people who want to live in a safe and peaceful society.”

“I would like to thank residents living in Ardanlee and all those affected by the security alert for their patience and understanding while we carried out our work.”

The PSNI has appealed for information about attack, or who saw any unusual vehicles or people acting suspiciously in the Ardanlee area between 5pm on Tuesday 21^st February and 7am on Wednesday 22^nd February.

Anyone with information can contact detectives at Strand Road on 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to provide details anonymously.