Up to 30 homes evacuated as explosive device found in Derry

An explosive device found in Derry was capable of killing, police have said.

Around 30 homes in the Ballyarnett area of the city were evacuated during the overnight security alert.

The police operation has now been scaled down and the residents allowed to return home.

A reduced security cordon is still in place around the scene of the discovery as further examinations of the area are conducted.

Police Service of Northern Ireland commander Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan outlined the capacity of the device.

“At this time we are not in a position to elaborate on the nature of the device but we can confirm it was viable and we believe it was capable of causing great harm and even of killing,” he said.

“I am thankful to the residents of Ballyarnett Village for their understanding and patience throughout the alert and I ask them to continue to support us as we carry out our investigation in the area this morning.”

On Sunday a small bomb exploded in a van in the Drumard Park area of Derry.

PA