Police probe explosion in Derry

There were no injuries following the suspected blast in Crawford Square but residents have been evacuated.

Army bomb disposal experts have been examining a suspicious object, police said.

The SDLP’s Colum Eastwood said those behind the explosion “intended to kill police officers and could very well have killed local people”.

“They gave a warning but it was one of no use which was perhaps deliberate. The device exploded before the police arrived,” he said.

“I do not understand why they think this sort of activity could take us anywhere. There is no point in a campaign of violence. It has never worked and will never work.

“Those responsible are attacking residential areas with no purpose. What we have in this area is a number of local residents and a primary school, and this morning they will continue to be affected by the disruption caused.

“A man was also found dead in a house close to the scene of this attack yesterday morning. People who did this have no sensitivities and nothing to offer people in Derry.”