PSNI share updates regarding two separate security alerts in Derry today

Published 15:49 21 Jan 2019 GMT

Updated 16:11 21 Jan 2019 GMT

Cathy Donohue

PSNI share updates regarding two separate security alerts in Derry today

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A second security alert has been issued in Derry.

The PSNI this evening released an update via their Twitter account saying that at 1:45pm today, a delivery driver’s vehicle was hijacked by four masked men. One of the men in question was believed to have a gun and the two occupants in the van were ordered to drive it to Lonemoor Rd and leave it there.

Police in Derry/Londonderry dealing with 2nd security alert; Southway. Approx 1:45pm delivery driver’s vehicle was hijacked by 4 masked men, 1 of them reported to have had a gun. 2 occupants in the van ordered to drive it to Lonemoor Rd & leave it there.Cordons being put in place
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 21, 2019

This is the second security alert issued today after a number of homes were evacuated in the Circular Road area of Derry earlier this morning.

Homes evacuated in Circular Rd area of Derry/Londonderry after vehicle hijacked around 11:30am; 3 masked men hijacked white Transit van, before abandoning it. Community centre in Central Dr open to those evacuated. Cordons in place. We appreciate your patience. Updates to follow
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 21, 2019

According to the PSNI, a white Ford Transit was reportedly hijacked in the area shortly around 11.30am. These incidents come after the arrest of two people in connection with a car bomb which exploded in the Bishop Street of Derry just after 8 pm on Saturday night. The PSNI had received a warning ahead of the explosion allowing them to evacuate nearby buildings, restaurants, and hotels. Thankfully, no one was hurt or injured in the car bomb and speaking afterwards, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said:

"This attack was unbelievably reckless. Thankfully the attackers failed to kill or injure any members the local community out socialising and enjoying the best of what the city has to offer. "The people responsible for this attack have shown no regard for the community or local businesses. "They care little about the damage to the area and the disruption they have caused. The area remains sealed off and church services at St Augustine’s has been moved to St Peters and the Cathedral services have been cancelled this morning as a result." The PSNI are appealing for anybody with information to come forward.

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A second security alert has been issued in Derry.

Police in Derry/Londonderry dealing with 2nd security alert; Southway. Approx 1:45pm delivery driver’s vehicle was hijacked by 4 masked men, 1 of them reported to have had a gun. 2 occupants in the van ordered to drive it to Lonemoor Rd & leave it there.Cordons being put in place
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 21, 2019

This is the second security alert issued today after a number of homes were evacuated in the Circular Road area of Derry earlier this morning.

Homes evacuated in Circular Rd area of Derry/Londonderry after vehicle hijacked around 11:30am; 3 masked men hijacked white Transit van, before abandoning it. Community centre in Central Dr open to those evacuated. Cordons in place. We appreciate your patience. Updates to follow
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 21, 2019

"This attack was unbelievably reckless. Thankfully the attackers failed to kill or injure any members the local community out socialising and enjoying the best of what the city has to offer. "The people responsible for this attack have shown no regard for the community or local businesses. "They care little about the damage to the area and the disruption they have caused. The area remains sealed off and church services at St Augustine’s has been moved to St Peters and the Cathedral services have been cancelled this morning as a result." The PSNI are appealing for anybody with information to come forward.