Londonderry pensioner ‘deeply shaken’ by explosion

Detectives have confirmed they are investigating an incident in the Drumard Park area in the early hours of Sunday 12th October.

Detective Inspector Cherith Craig said, “A male resident reported a loud noise outside his home at around 3.45am. Upon examination of his van, which was parked adjacent to the house, damage was noted to its windows and upholstery. Police attended the scene and cordoned off the area. ATO were tasked to examine the van and it was determined that a small home made explosive device had gone off inside it. Further forensic examinations of the van and the remnants of the device will take place in due course. I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area to contact CID in Strand Road on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has condemned those behind the attack which he said has left a vulnerable, elderly woman deeply shaken.

He said:

‘I want to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this attack which has left a vulnerable woman deeply shaken and has detrimentally affected her health.

“I understand that a device was thrown into her son’s van as it was parked adjacent to her home, where she lives alone. Luckily there was no damage to the house.

“Any attack of this nature is totally unacceptable. But those responsible need to explain themselves to the people of this city. They need to explain why they targeted the home of a woman in her 70s living alone who is totally innocent.

“There is absolutely no support for this kind of intimidating, terrorising attack on a family and a community. There can be no excuse for those who take the law into their own hands, irrespective of their motives.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch with the police as soon as possible.”

While no group has claimed responsibility dissident republicans have been behind a series of attacks on people in nationalist areas of the city.