Derry explosions raise tensions

Two explosions in Derry last night [Thursday night] appeared to target government offices and have again ratcheted up concerns for the political process in the North.

Nobody was injured by the blasts shortly after 8pm which followed two telephone bomb warnings.

One device exploded on the Strand Road, near to a major PSNI base which has been a frequent target of IRA attacks over the years, and close to the offices of the British government’s DHSS (Department of Health and Social Security).

Another device exploded in Foyle Street, outside a tourist and convention office. The attack may be linked to a controversial promotion which brands Derry the ‘UK City of Culture’ for 2013.

A number of homes and businesses were evacuated after police received two telephone bomb warnings shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday. Traffic disruption is continuing in the city this morning as a police investigation of the scene gets underway.

Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott said ‘dissidents’ were behind the attacks.

“These attacks further no cause. They will not create a single job or attract a single pound of investment,” he said.

“Londonderry should be enjoying the limelight as the UK City of Culture (next year), yet instead some madmen seem to think it is an opportunity for them to seize some publicity. This type of fascism was part of our past. It has no place in our future.”

Urgent Appeal