Pipe bomb in city could have killed a child: top cop

He said the perpetrators showed an abhorrent disregard for the safety of the local community.

Police in Foyle received a report of a suspicious object discovered in a green area close to McGill Court.

Shortly before 4.20pm, a member of the public came across a piece of copper piping in the area. Army Technical Officers (ATO) were tasked to the scene and after the contents of the piping were examined, it was declared a viable device. The object has been taken away for further forensic examinations and enquiries are continuing.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Garry Eaton said leaving a device in an open space where a child could have found it was reckless and shows an abhorrent disregard for the safety of the local community.

“I am sure the residents in that area and the wider public will be just as angry as I am about this discovery. They have every right to be outraged however what we need now is information about who left the device there in the first place.

“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously around the green area in recent days? If so, please do not hesitate to get in contact with police,” he said.

Anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Strand Road CID on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.