Waterside pipe bomb 'disgraceful attack' by criminals says Derry policing partnership chair

A Derry police officer said yesterday it's fortunate nobody was injured when a pipe bomb partially exploded causing minor damage to a garden in McGarvey Court in the Brigade/Clooney area.

Councillor Reilly stated: "Attacks like these are not acceptable in our society and must be condemned by all. The people of this city are shocked and disgusted that these type of attacks are continuing.

"There is absolutely no justification for these actions. It is clear that the criminals responsible for this have absolutely no concern for people living in the McGarvey Court area and the fact that the device partially detonated proves this.

"Their only aim is to try to exert some sort of coercive control over the people living here. My thoughts are with those affected by this disgraceful attack. I would urge anyone with information on this pipe bomb attack to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers immediately.”

Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said: “I condemn those responsible for a pipe-bomb attack in the McGarvey Court area of the Waterside.

“Someone could have been seriously injured in this reckless attack which caused disruption for local residents with many evacuated from their homes.

“This is the fourth time this year we have seen attacks of this nature in the Waterside area of the city and it must stop now.

“Anyone with information on Monday’s attack should bring it forward to the police.”

Sergeant Richard Donnell said yesterday: “The incident was reported to police upon the discovery of the suspicious device this afternoon (Monday].

"ATO were tasked to the scene and an object found in the area, described as a crude explosive device, has been taken away for further examination."

While the device went off nobody was hurt.

“It is believed the device may have partially exploded at some stage and minor damage is reported to have been caused to a garden at a property in the area, thankfully no one has been injured.

“Enquiries are continuing and detectives are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1159 28/9/20,” said Sergeant Donnell.