TWO BAGS OF bombs left near a fence at an army base in Derry could have killed or maimed people living nearby, police said.
The security alert at Rockport Park in Derry saw local residents having to leave their homes following the discovery of two bags near a fence at the Limavady Road Army Reserve Centre.
An initial examination of CCTV footage in the area indicated that the devices partially initiated at around 11.35pm last night, but failed to fully explode, police said.
The army bomb disposal unit – known as the ATO – were sent to the scene, and a number of homes in the area of Rockport Park and Caw Park were evacuated.
ATO examined the bags and discovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which were made safe.
Police pointed out that the bombs posed a major danger to locals, had they exploded.
Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan said:
These devices had the capacity to kill or maim and our enquiries are underway into how and when they were left at this location. The IEDs which were contained within the two bags have now been taken away for forensic examination.
No warning was received by police and with the close proximity of homes nearby, this was truly a reckless act which endangered local people’s lives.
He appealed to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area recently, or who has any information which may help police, to contact officers at Strand Road on 101.
Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The incident comes after Martin McGuinness had paint bombs thrown at his house in Derry over the weekend.
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