A police Mitsubishi Shogun blocks the road at Rossnagalliagh while a suspect object was examined by ATO.
DETECTIVES have launched a criminal investigation in a bid to catch those behind a hoax bomb alert in Derry this morning.
The suspect device – which appeared to be a coffee cup with a wire attached – had been found in the Rossnagalliagh area.
It caused widespread disruption to the community for several hours.
British Army Technical Officers were tasked to the scene but later declared it as an “elaborate hoax”.
It was removed for examination to find any possible fingerprint or DNA clues to the culprit or culprits.
Rainbow Child and Family Centre was evacuated and a number of roads were closed.
Templemore Sports Complex was also opened for those affected.
PSNI Chief Insp Gordon McCalmont said: “This device was an elaborate hoax.
“It wasn’t a viable device but somebody has gone to great lengths to make us believe that something viable was there.”
Chief Inspector McCalmont added: “This incident has caused inconvenience, disruption and upset for the local community.
“I would like to thank the members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the operation this morning.
The suspect device found this morning in Derry was an elaborate hoax, say police
“An investigation is now underway to find those responsible.
“I would ask anyone with any information about this incident to contact police in Strand Road on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Tags: