LATEST: POLICE say they have located a suspicious device in the Currynierin area.
However the security operation is continuing there because PSNI officers fear dissidents may have left other devices on the estate.
They have rejected criticism of their operation, saying the security of local people is paramount.
“People are asking if they can go home, but we need to be certain other devices have not been left in the area. Criticism should be reserved for the people who left this device,” said one officer.
A family with young twins are among those being forced to spend the night sleeping on sofas at relatives’ homes.
“I live in Conway Park and was told to leave with my 5 month old twins. I didn’t have time to pack their moses baskets, milk nappies or anything,” said the dad.
“Now we are being told we will not be able to return to our home until tomorrow. I just hope the dissidents responsible for this sleep soundly in their beds tonight while we have to sleep on family members’ sofas.”
Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan, the Foyle Area Commander, said people who had been asked to leave their home at Conway Park will not be able to return until the security operation is over.
Access between Ardmore Road and other parts of the Currynierin Estate have also been closed.
“We regret any inconvenience that has been caused to local people, however, the priority in this operation is to keep people safe,” he said.
Politicians have condemned those behind the incident.
British Army bomb experts will scour the area later in the day.
Tags:
