Suspected mortar attack foiled after discovery in Derry

Police in Northern Ireland have foiled a suspected mortar attack close to a police station in Co Derry.

A viable mortar-type device was discovered during a security alert in the Lawrence Hill area near Strand Road police station in Derry.

The discovery was made as British prime minister David Cameron flew into Northern Ireland for a major investment conference.

PSNI Supt Stephen Cargin said the perpetrators showed a complete disregard for innocent lives.

He said: “It is only by good fortune that we are not talking about loss of life or serious damage to property.

“While the device will be forensically examined in due course, it is safe to say that the intent here was to kill or injure and create fear within the community.”

Up to 1,000 people had had to be evacuated from their homes overnight as British Army bomb experts worked to make the device safe.

The find follows two murders in Belfast and Derry which have been blamed on dissident republican extremists opposed to the peace process.

Press Association