Suspicious package sent to Derry hotel as police carry out explosion after evacuation

A controlled explosion has been carried out after a package was delivered a Derry hotel in what has been described as a deliberate attack.

Officers were alerted shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, 27 October, to reports of a 'suspicious package' being delivered to premises in the Ebrington Square district.

"Officers attended the scene and a number of people were subsequently evacuated from the premises, along with staff from neighbouring premises, during the public safety operation that followed," Chief Superintendent Kearney explained.

Bomb disposal experts were called to the location, assessed the item and performed a controlled explosion on the device.Chief Superintendent Kearney confirmed that the device was deemed to be viable.

The object has now been removed for forensic analysis and an investigation is underway.

"I condemn this reckless and targeted attack, and I recognise the significant disruption and distress it has caused to the local community," the superintendent stated.

Tannur Anders