A BOMB left near Derry’s courthouse has been made safe after a security alert lasting more than 12 hours.
The incident has been widely condemned. Dissident republicans are being blamed for leaving the bomb which was “a substantial viable device”, the PSNI said.
The 50kg bomb was made up of homemade explosives and contained in a beer keg which was left in a stolen car in a car park close to the courthouse.
A telephone bomb warning was made. One line of inquiry being examined is that the device was abandoned in the car park before the bombers were able to move it closer to its intended target.
Police are blaming the Real IRA or another grouping styling itself Óglaigh na hÉireann, which have been active in Derry over the past year.
The alert caused the evacuation of the courthouse, St Columb’s cathedral and deanery, a Masonic hall and an old people’s housing development. Residents were taken to a hotel on Sunday night.
The bomb was made safe mid-morning yesterday but the scene remained sealed off as police forensic specialists examined the scene and the device.
The Catholic bishop of Derry Dr Séamus Hegarty said: “There was a stark contrast between the irresponsible behaviour of those who planted the bomb and the care shown by those who looked after the elderly and others who were evacuated from their homes.
“I again appeal to those involved in bombings and shootings to reflect on the consequences of their actions and to respect the wishes of the overwhelming majority of people in our city who desire to live in peace.”
District commander Stephen Martin said: “If a bomb such as this had gone off it would have killed or seriously injured people. It would have caused substantial damage to nearby property, to the courthouse, to the Masonic Hall, to the deanery, to other residents. It would have probably damaged the residential home, Alexander House.
“It’s just a highly built-up residential part of the city within the walls and a device this size would have caused considerable devastation. It’s two years since the threat in Northern Ireland has been escalated to severe and acts like this are a strong possibility. They can come at any time without warning.”
Condemnation came from across the political spectrum.
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said: “An attack on any place in this city is an attack on us all.” Addressing the bombers directly she added: “The people’s focus will be back on building for the future as soon as the debris is cleared but you will still be stuck in the past with not a progressive thought between you.”
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan said: “If those behind this think they are doing something to damage the legal system they are not. They are just damaging the people of Derry – damaging their daily lives.”