AN EXPLOSION IN the centre of Derry today which caused minor damage to the UK City of Culture offices has been criticised by local politicians and the PSNI as an attack on citizens’ hopes for the future of their city.

A small device exploded this morning at around 3.30am, causing damage to the front door of the offices. No injuries have been reported, according to the Belfast Newsletter.

SDLP Assembly member Pol Callaghan said the incident was an effort to attack the rebirth of the city “and our hopes for the future”. He said such an attempt would not succeed because “the wider community wants progress, not a return to the dark days of the past”.

UTV reports that Derry Mayor Colm Eastwood said it was an “attack on all the people of the city”. Eastwood added:

The vast majority of people in our city reject the senseless campaign of those responsible for this intimidation and will not be deterred by these terrorists in our quest for a better future”.

The City of Derry was named UK City of Culture 2013 in July, which will see the city hosting a range of cultural events throughout the year. The event is expected to provide a huge financial boost to the area by increasing international tourism, and could have knock-on benefits for neighbouring counties.

PSNI officers sealed off the Custom House Square area following the explosion, disrupting morning traffic and trade in the city centre this morning.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, and police are appealing to anyone with any information regarding the incident to contact them.