A roadside explosion in a bin in Derry was a suspected dissident republican bomb, police have said.
Officers had received a report of a loud bang on the Skeoge Road at about 11.45pm on Tuesday and arrived to find the bin mangled out of shape. No one was injured in the blast.
Army technical officers were called to the scene and they have confirmed a bomb was detonated.
The road, one of the main routes from Derry into Co Donegal, was closed most of the day on Wednesday due to the security alert.
‘No regard for safety’
PSNI District Commander Supt Mark McEwan said: “It was fortunate no one had been killed or seriously injured in this indiscriminate attack. Those who left this device showed no regard for the safety of anyone in the area.
“The device was left in a waste bin and shrapnel from it could have killed or seriously injured anyone close by.
“Those involved in this attack showed a blatant disregard for the local community, as anyone could have approached this bin as it exploded. This has all the hallmarks of a dissident republican attack.
‘Work with us’
“Police will continue to patrol all areas of the city and I am asking everyone to work with us to reduce the threat that these people pose and to keep people safe.
“I am aware of the disruption that has been caused by this device and I appreciate the patience, understanding and most importantly the continued support of the local community as we worked to make the area safe.”
The commander urged witnesses or anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the Skeoge Road area to contact police or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Press Association