Derry security alert: Two devices which sparked evacuations in housing estate were viable pipe bombs
Police in Derry have confirmed that two devices found in the Skeoge area of the city were viable pipe bombs following an operation in which children and other residents were evacuated in the middle of the night.
Over 20 households, including some with young children, were evacuated when the devices were discovered shortly after 12.30am on Thursday in the Glenabbey Close and Beraghvale areas. Some spent the night with relatives while Galliagh Community Centre was opened for those who needed shelter.
Ammunition Technical Officers yesterday examined the devices, and it was later confirmed that both were viable pipe-bombs.
Police confirmed both devices were made safe and removed for further forensic examination.
Chief Inspector Graeme Craig said the outcome could have been very different as he condemned those involved with the devices in a built up residential area.
"This alert caused significant disruption for residents in the area with close to two dozen homes evacuated, including families with children,” he said.
"To have had to leave their homes in the hours of darkness, on a cold and wet night, will have been really unsettling, and caused massive disruption for people trying to get to work this morning and children attending school. This also caused disruption for local businesses who were impacted, trying to stock up with deliveries for today's trading.”
He added: "These devices have been declared as being viable and it is fortunate they did not detonate before they were discovered. There is no place for this and those who are responsible have absolutely no regard for the local community. It is reprehensible.”
"We appeal to anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious or untoward to report it by calling 101, quoting reference 32 of 13/11/25."
“You can also submit information online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org
SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Rory Farrell described the discovery of pipe bombs in a built-up area as “extremely concerning”.
"Had these devices gone off it could have caused devastation for this community and storing them in such a place shows a total lack of care for the safety of those living in this area.
“We liaised with police overnight as residents, including young children, were forced from their homes in the cold and wet. Nobody’s life should be upended in this way and residents are rightly frustrated and upset at being subjected to this.
“I would ask anyone with any information to come forward to police.”