'˜This was an attempt to kill my colleague' - PSNI Supt.

PSNI Superintendent Gordon McCalmont was speaking after the bomb exploded while Army Technical Officers were trying to make it safe in the Culmore area.

Supt. McCalmont said that the device was intricately put together and was not a pipe bomb type device.

Speaking about the explosion he said: “Shortly after 5.30am this morning we were made aware of a suspect device at the home of one of my colleagues in Ardanlee off the Culmore Road in the city here.

“We immediately took steps to ensure the safety of the community resulting in 12 families being evacuated from their homes.

“As they were working no the suspect device, the device exploded, making it our assessment at this time that that is a viable device.”

Supt. McCalmont said colleagues from the Major Investigation Team have started an investigation adding: “It is our firm belief that violent dissident Republicans are responsible for this attack in our community.

“I firmly believe we all have a part to play in delivering a safe, peaceful society and on that basis I would appeal to anyone with any information about this attack to please make contact with the PSNI.

“Let’s be clear this was an attempt to kill one of my colleagues, and the risks involved were immense.”

Supt. McCalmont said that his thoughts were with the officer and his family, adding that his PSNI colleagues had rallied round to support the local man.

“My colleague is someone who gets out of his bed every morning and goes to work with the sole aim of ensuring the safety of the community and working to prevent harm in the community. That is in sharp contrast to the individuals who left a viable explosive device in a residential area with kids and families.”