Republicans claim ‘rock’ containing listening device found in Derry

The ‘bug’ appears to have been secreted in plastic casing disguised as a small rock.

Local republicans claim it was found after a man was seen acting suspiciously in the Ballymagowan area of the city on Monday evening.

They say a man dressed in dark clothing, with his face covered and wearing a baseball cap, was seen in allotments by a group of young people.

He, then, made his way from the allotments to a nearby dark-coloured car before making off.

Afterwards, a rock-shaped device was discovered which housed an electronic device comprised of various component parts.

Saoradh claim the equipment is a “high tech and advanced military grade listening device”.

A spokesman said: “It is clear to see and identify two miniscule and extremely powerful and sensitive microphones that we believe are voice-activated and have an extended range magnitude.”

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been contacted for comment.