Police at scene of security alert in Derry on Friday which has now been declared a hoax. Pic by Aodhan Roberts
Chris Heaton-Harris left the Derry City v Shamrock Rovers match 20 minutes before the end of the President’s Cup game at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium with the Candystripes running out 2-0 winners.
Police believe the New IRA was behind the elaborate hoax over the Secretary of State’s presence at the match.
The Secretary of State had spent the afternoon in the city where he visited the Northland’s Addiction centre.
The alarm was raised after a suspicious object was found close to the ground during the first half of the match.
At the end of the match fans were asked by the club to avoid the Lone Moor Road.
Superintendent William Calderwood said: “Police received a report that a suspicious object had been found in the Celtic Court area at around 8.30pm on Friday, February 10th.
“Ammunition Technical Officers were tasked and declared the object an elaborate hoax.
“I want to thank the local community, in particular those who were directly affected, for their cooperation and assistance as we worked to keep people safe.
“Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch have commenced an investigation and are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident or anyone noticing any suspicious activity in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1955 of 10/02/23.”
You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said last night: “The security alert near the Brandywell this evening is causing significant disruption for local residents and those travelling from tonight’s match.
“Elderly residents and children have had their night turned upside down as police attempt to make the area safe.
“It is particularly frustrating that local people and Derry City fans are experiencing this disruption as President Higgins visits for this evening’s President’s Cup match.
“I would appeal to everyone in the area to follow the directions of local police.
“SDLP representatives will continue to liaise with emergency services as they seek to make the area safe as quickly as possible,” added the Foyle MP.
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