Police at the scene of the security alert at Whitehouse Road in Derry after discovery of an imitation firearm in a field
It is now believed that the weapon found in a field last night is an imitation firearm following an examination by ATO.
Detective Inspector Clara Heaton said: “The report of a suspicious object inside a bag was received by police on Monday evening.
“An operation was duly put in place to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.
“The object was examined in daylight hours today by ATO and has now been taken for further examination.
“I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst the operation was ongoing and apologise for any inconvenience experienced.
“However, the safety of the public and of the attending police officers is of the utmost importance and we will never take chances with people’s safety.”
