Pipe bomb attack branded ‘moronic’

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident at Knockwellan Park on Saturday.

Detective Sergeant Richard Donnell said: “Just before 10pm on Saturday night, police received a report that a white transit van, which had been parked in the area, was on fire.

“Upon the arrival of emergency services, however, it became clear that the cause of the fire had been the detonation of a pipe bomb type device.”

An examination of the remnants was carried out by ATO with further forensic tests to be conducted. Minor damage was caused to the van and there were no reports of any injuries.

Sergeant Donnell said: “This was a reckless attack carried out in a residential area with no consideration given as to who this device could have injured or killed.”

MP for Foyle Colum Eastwood described the incident as “another moronic attempt to intimidate and kill in our community”.

“Actions like these and those who commit them are relics of our past,” he said.

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said: “Anyone passing by in the vicinity of this van could have been seriously injured. Those behind this attack have nothing to offer the community and need to end these reckless actions immediately.”

SDLP Waterside Colr. Sean Mooney said: “It is clear those who committed this act did so without any thought or feeling for those who were the target of the attack and of the wider Knockwellan community.”

Police have asked anyone with information to ring 101 quoting reference number 1977 28/11/20, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.