LAST UPDATE | 1 Feb 2022

A SECURITY ALERT in Derry has been declared a hoax after Foyleside Shopping Centre was evacuated earlier today following reports of a bomb.

Police attended the scene at the shopping centre this afternoon following the report of a bomb being placed in the building. 

Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area. The shopping centre was also evacuated. 

“It is imperative that no member of the public attempts to access the centre at this time and we ask that you stay away from the area,” the centre wrote.

The PSNI this afternoon confirmed that the security alert at the shopping centre has ended and has been declared a hoax. 

“This alert has resulted in unnecessary fear and disruption to the community and I would like to thank the public and business community for their cooperation and patience as we worked quickly to ensure the centre was safe to reopen,” PSNI chief inspector Clive Beatty said. 

“At a time when local businesses and services are trying desperately to get back on track, this type of incident only causes further harm to livelihoods,” Beatty said. 

“I would encourage anyone with information about this hoax to come forward and speak with our detectives.” 

With reporting by Hayley Halpin