Second elaborate hoax located in Derry overnight

A second elaborate hoax device has been found in Derry around a mile from an earlier device which sparked a major evacuation operation yesterday.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 3rd Nov 2020, 08:11 BST
PSNI officers attend the earlier security alert at St Columb’s College on the Buncrana Road. Photo: George Sweeney DER2045GS – 013PSNI officers attend the earlier security alert at St Columb’s College on the Buncrana Road. Photo: George Sweeney DER2045GS – 013
PSNI officers attend the earlier security alert at St Columb’s College on the Buncrana Road. Photo: George Sweeney DER2045GS – 013

Police confirmed in the early hours of this morning that the device was found in the Fairview Road area in the heart of the Galliagh estate in the city.

A security operation was mounted on Monday night just hours after the completion of an earlier operation which saw pupils at St Columb’s College and residents in Slievemore evacuated on Monday.

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A PSNI spokesperson said: “A suspicious object that was located at the Fairview Road area of Galliagh yesterday evening (Monday 2nd November) was examined by ATO and has been declared an elaborate hoax.”

Yesterday morning a suspicious object was discovered at Collon lane close to the back entrance gates to St Columb’s College.

Pupils and staff from St. Columb’s College, and residents living nearby were forced to leave the area.

The college was evacuated just hours after pupils arrived for their first day back at school in a fortnight after the usual week-long October break was extended to two weeks.

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Parents were contacted directly to collect their children and buses were arranged to take some students into the city centre.

Residents living in Slievemore were evacuated a short time later as cordons were erected across the area, and Templemore Sports Complex was opened as a rest centre for those residents who needed it. All residents were given clearance to return to their homes by yesterday evening.

Police confirmed that the suspicious device discovered was examined by ATO and declared an elaborate hoax.

Inspector Vince Redmond said: “I understand the disruption this incident caused for local residents who had to leave their homes as our officers worked to make the area safe.

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“I want to thank the local community for their understanding and patience.”

He added: “Those involved showed a complete disregard to public safety and the education and welfare of those pupils impacted.

“I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to call us on 101, and quote reference number 330 02/11/20. You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”