Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Derry security alert: Abandoned van sparks third security alert as city reels following weekend bomb attack

Homes evacuated as Northern Ireland remains on edge

Zamira Rahim
Monday 21 January 2019 23:46 GMT
Debris shoots out of a suspect van as police carry out a controlled explosion
Debris shoots out of a suspect van as police carry out a controlled explosion (REUTERS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Police officers in Derry have examined three abandoned vehicles in the area in less than 24 hours, just days after a car bomb exploded outside a courthouse in the Northern Irish city.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) took to its Foyle Facebook page on Monday evening to warn residents that they were examining a vehicle at Northland Road.

"Please avoid the area at this time," a spokesperson said.

Elderly residents were evacuated from their homes in pyjamas as police attempted to secure the area.

Earlier on Monday the PSNI carried out a controlled explosion on a van that was hijacked by three masked men and examined a Royal Mail postal van that was hijacked by another group of four men.

No one was injured in Saturday's blast, but the incident highlighted the threat still posed by militant groups in Derry.

A 50-year-old man was arrested on Monday in relation to Saturday's attack and detained under the Terrorism Act, police said.

The first four men arrested hours after the attack have all been released unconditionally.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Officers evacuated homes and cordoned off residential areas as they inspected the abandoned vehicles on Monday.

Derry was rocked by violence during the Troubles throughout the 1960s and 1970s and Saturday's car bomb has been condemned across Northern Ireland's political divide.

Additional reporting by agencies

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in