Device found under car outside PSNI officer's home

Police said that the suspicious object is currently being investigated and confirmed it was found at the home of a serving officer. The device was found under a car.

The Northern Ireland Police Federation - the body that represents rank and file officers - called for the people who carried out such attacks to be “ostracised”.

A spokesman said: “Once again we see police officers targeted for simply trying to protect the community.

“The people who are intent on targeting and attempting to murder police officers have nothing to offer their community or society at large other than misery and destruction.

“These people should be ostracised by all people who support the democratic path.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police in Derry are currently at the scene of a security alert at Ardanlee following the discovery of a suspicious object.

“A number of homes have been evacuated whilst the object is examined.”

Policing Board Vice Chair Debbie Watters condemned the attack.

“I am grateful that the evil intent of those responsible for leaving this device did not succeed,” she said.

“This officer has had a very lucky escape but such activity reinforces the continuing threat that exists for our police officers both on and off duty.

“As a community it is our responsibility to ensure those behind such activity are brought to justice and I would urge anyone with information to bring it to the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

Sinn Fein councillor Elisha McCallion also condemned those responsible.

“There’s no support for these types of action in our community and those responsible have to stop immediately,” she said.

“Residents have been evacuated from their homes. Those behind this security alert have nothing to offer the local community.

“We don’t need or want these type of incidents happening in our city.”

Homes have also been evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious object at Sion Mills, though police are not linking the incidents.