Waterfoot evacuated in securty alert

There is a security alert at the Waterfoot Hotel.

Police arrived at the hotel in Londonderry around noon on Friday, October 9.

Elsewhere, the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh and Belfast Metropolitan College were also evacuated.

The three venues were all due to host PSNI 2015 recruitment information sessions.

Speaking to the Sentinel from the hotel DUP MLA Gary Middleton, said: “Obviously, it’s extremely concerning that these alerts across three different venues are seemingly connected and have been orchestrated in some way.

“To have a busy hotel evacuated as we come up to the busy weekend period is obviously damaging and a source of concern.

“This is especially the case given that there’s family wedding planned for tomorrow and it must be source of worry for the couple involved. I’d just like to condemn these types of activities.”

Yesterday, Thursday, October 8, a PSNI recruitment familiarisation event at the Waterfoot was officially postponed.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “A large wedding reception will be taking place at the venue on the same date, and as many people will be aware, a protest against our event has been planned.

“Those who would seek to disrupt the day have shown no thought for others.

“Out of consideration for the bride and groom, and to ensure they can fully enjoy their special day without the possibility of any disruption, we have arranged to reschedule the event. It will take place at the same venue on Saturday, October 17.”

Yesterday DUP Alderman Devenney condemned those who were planning to protest or cause disruption at a PSNI recruitment and familiarisation event in the Waterfoot Hotel in Londonderry on Saturday

“The event has been cancelled as there is a large wedding reception in the venue on the same date and out of consideration for the bride and groom and to ensure they can fully enjoy their special day without any disruption I am sure the people who were organising the protest would show no respect for others It has been confirmed by the PSNI that the event will take place in the same venue on Saturday October 17”