Politicians condemn alert at Currynierin estate

Visiting the city for the UUP AGM Lord Empey, said the actions of those responsible were “very disappointing”.

Paying tribute to the security forces, he said: “I am sure it is a huge source of concern for local residents that, yet again, their lives are put to the one side, so that some people, a small number of people can pursue their own selfish agenda.”

UUP Alderman Mary Hamilton said: “We don’t want to see this disruption again in the city. This is going to put fear into those older people. I would just like those responsible to take a step back and ask themselves what are they trying to achieve.”

DUP MLA, Maurice Devenney said people in Currynierin were disgusted by the attack on their community: “I condemn actions of those responsible. People were put to great convenience and some had to take refuge in the YMCA. I commend the security forces for their brave action and say to those who left the device that others have tried this for 30 or 40 years and failed. I have talked to the people in Currynierin and they are disgusted at what has happened.”

His party colleague, Hilary McClintock, who visited those in the YMCA, said: “I don’t know what the people who caused this incident were trying to achieve. They caused inconvenience for older people, difficulties for ambulance staff trying to get into the estate and worry for people not able to get to their children and families.”

Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood, said: “Many people have been very seriously inconvenienced including many older people with acute medical needs.

“Those who left this device have put people in significant danger.”