PSNI suspects Derry bomb planted by dissident republicans

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said the planting of a bomb in Derry on Tuesday had “all the hallmarks” of a dissident republican attack.

At around 11.45pm police received reports of a loud bang in the Skeoge Road area. Officers went to the area and found that something inside a bin had exploded.

Further daylight checks were conducted and ammunition technical officers were sen to examine the area. They confirmed that a viable explosive device had detonated in the bin.

What are believed to be remnants of the device were taken away for further examination.

The road was closed for the night and for much of Wednesday as security checks were carried out. It later reopened to traffic.

District Commander Superintendent Mark McEwan said it was “fortunate” no one had been killed or seriously injured in the “indiscriminate attack”.

“Those who left this device showed no regard for the safety of anyone in the area,” he said. “The device was left in a waste bin and shrapnel from it could have killed or seriously injured anyone close by.

“Those involved in this attack showed a blatant disregard for the local community, as anyone could have approached this bin as it exploded. This has all the hallmarks of a dissident republican attack.”