Security alerts in Londonderry

The alerts at Strand Road PSNI Station and close to the city's courthouse are continuing.

At least three controlled explosions have been carried out the suspect devices in Londonderry.

The four security alerts resulted in a number of roads in the city being closed and have caused widespread disruption.

The alerts at Craigavon Bridge and Madam's Bank Road have now been cleared.

The Real IRA have claimed responsibility for the alerts.

A hijacked van has been left outside Strand Road Police Station and roads between Lawrence Hill and Asylum Road have been closed.

The area is close to two major centres of education, the North West Regional College (NWRC) and the Magee campus of the University of Ulster.

NWRC confirmed that their Northland and Strand Road sites will remain closed today because of the alerts.

Two medical practices - one at the bottom of Lawrence Hill, another at Asylum Road and several other businesses have been adversely affected by the Strand Road scare.

Bayview Medical Practice which is close to Strand Road PSNI Station says it will remain closed until the alerts are cleared.

Doctors at the practice say anyone who experience an emergency should contact the following number-07731308556, but stressed the number should be called in emergencies only.

Police are currently evacuating workers from buildings in the district. Major traffic disruption is anticipated and motorists have been advised to avoid the areas if possible.

Both decks of the Craigavon bridge were also closed to traffic at approximately 9am although pedestrians were still being allowed to cross on the lower deck at that time.

A police helicopter is monitored Madam's Bank Road, but it remained open.

The Very Reverend Dean of Derry, Dr William Morton, was one of those evacuated from Bishop Street.

"The police arrived and told us we had to get out straight away, and my wife and I and our three sons had to bail out very quickly," he said.

"It was obviously designed to cause maximum disruption, and I really feel sorry for traders whose businesses are so dreadfully affected and also to families, like ours, with children."

Mayor Paul Fleming has hit out at those responsible.

The Mayor said the incidents were designed to cause maximum disruption to the public and appealed to people to be patient.

"It is very frustrating, not only for the business community, but for the general public whether they are trying to attend college, go to the shops, avail of medical services or going to work.

"Derry traders are suffering enough in the current economic climate and incidents such as this are extremely detrimental to business.

"I would appeal to the PSNI to do all they can to deal with these alerts as quickly as possible so that the city's traffic and business trade can return to normal," he added.