Executive Summary
- Residents in the Glenabbey Close area of Derry were evacuated from their homes following a new security alert.
- The incident occurred exactly one week after two viable pipe bombs were discovered and made safe in the same neighborhood.
- Police have established a cordon, and local officials have condemned the repeated disruption to the community.
A number of families were evacuated from their homes in Derry, Northern Ireland, on Thursday morning due to a security alert in the same neighborhood where two viable pipe bombs were discovered just a week earlier. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) responded to the incident in the Glenabbey Close area of Skeoge, establishing cordons and advising the public to avoid the area.
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating, “A number of homes have been evacuated and cordons are in in place. We would ask that the public avoid the area at this time.” The alert marks the second time in two weeks that residents have been forced to leave their homes under emergency circumstances.
Local officials voiced their frustration over the repeated disruptions. “This is the second security alert in this area in as many weeks and once again families have been asked to pack up in the middle of a very cold night and leave their homes,” said SDLP Councillor Rory Farrell. He condemned the actions, highlighting the impact on families and children and urging those responsible to “get off the backs of the local community.”
The incident follows a similar operation exactly one week prior, on October 13, when over 20 households were evacuated after two devices were found. Ammunition Technical Officers examined the devices and confirmed they were viable pipe bombs. Chief Inspector Graeme Craig described the previous incident as reprehensible, noting that the outcome could have been tragic had the bombs detonated in the built-up residential area.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have condemned the repeated threats to public safety in the Skeoge area, which have caused significant disruption for residents, schools, and local businesses. Investigations into both the current security alert and the previously discovered pipe bombs are ongoing. It is important to note that investigations are active and details may be updated as they become available from official sources.