'Election count centre is no longer safe' says Campbell

Speaking about the bomb alert which halted the election count the East Londonderry MP said the alert, in which a viable pipe bomb was discovered in the car park of the complex, raises "serious questions" over the future use of the City venue.

Mr Campbell said the alert was "yet another attack on democracy."

"What this shows is that there are questions to be asked over the use of Templemore as a count centre. This was an attack on the process of democracy by people determined to thwart democracy.

"There has to be an assurance given that Templemore, given its location, is a safe venue for the count centre.

He says assurances are also needed from the PSNI over security measures put in place at the count centre.

"I think we need to establish from the police that while there was a significant number of personnel involved undoubtedly throughout the day because of the fear of disruption to polling, we need to establish was the same amount of personnel allocated to the count.

"We need to establish what precautions, what tactics were employed from 8pm until the device was found."

But PSNI chief constable Matt Baggott said security arrangements had been stepped up amid fears of disrpution on polling day.

"We stepped up our security arrangements in order to protect the community and I would like to thank everyone for their patience in working with us.

"The quick actions of my officers ensured both the safety of everyone in the count centre and in the wider community, as well as securing the integrity of the counting process, allowing it to continue with minimal disruption. This was in stark contrast to those who have no respect for democracy or the safety of the public."

The security alert began shortly after 11pm when a taxi was hi-jacked at gunpoint in Marianus Park in Hazlebank by masked gunmen who put a pipe bomb in the car and ordered the driver to take it to the count centre.

A number of elderly residents of Donal Casey Court, which provides sheltered accommodation for pensioners, were also evacuated to temporary accommodation.

Foyle MP Mark Durkan condemned the bomb attack and described it as pathetic. "The people who planted this device didn't stand for election and the reason they didn't stand is because they have no political case to make and no mandate," he said.