POLICE say that the security alert in the Lone Moor Road area of Derry has now ended.
A suspicious object left at the home of parents of a serving PSNI officer in the Brandywell was examined by ATO and has now been described by police as an elaborate hoax.
The Lone Moor Road has re-opened and residents who were evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes.
It is third hoax device found in Derry in the space of 24 hours – one was found yesterday at the home of elderly parents of a serving police officer at Drumleck Drive and then in the early hours of this morning one was left at a house in Inishowen Gardens.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “Firstly, I want to thank the local community and, in particular, the people who had to leave their homes while we worked to make the scene safe.
“I understand the frustration of the community and the disruption this has caused, but we are committed to keeping people safe – that is of paramount importance to us.
“I can see how the reckless actions of a very small minority of people who clearly don’t care about the community have disrupted everyday life.
“Therefore, I am appealing to anyone who can help identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice to contact us.
“Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact police at Strand Road on 101 quoting reference number 286 of 03/05/18.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
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