SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney has said that a Skeoge Road security alert sparked by an explosion is causing havoc for local people and commuters.
Cllr Tierney attended the scene last night and has been in touch with local police throughout the incident.
He said: “After reports of an explosion came in, I visited the area last night and immediately contacted local police.
“It was thought at that stage that a gas cylinder had exploded in a bin but a security operation has since been deployed.
“This has caused significant disruption for local people and commuters travelling into Derry.
“The area is also right beside a field that young children use to play in over the summer. An explosion, of any nature, could have put those children at risk and those behind it have been utterly reckless.
“I would encourage anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact police as soon as possible.”