Security alert ends after several homes evacuated

It is the second security alert in the area in the last seven days

A security alert which resulted in a number of people having to leave their homes in Londonderry has now ended.

Cordons were put in place and homes were evacuated in Glenabbey Close in the Skeoge area of the city after police said they had received a report shortly after 12:30 GMT on Thursday claiming that a device had been left in the area.

Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and, following a detailed search of the area, said no such device was found and residents were able to return to their homes.

It is the second time this month that houses have had to be evacuated in Glenabbey Close.

Supt Sinead McIldowney said the incident had caused serious disruption for many families in the area.

"This incident has caused serious upheaval for residents who have had to leave their homes during what was a bitterly cold night.

"It caused disruption for people trying to get to their work this morning and children attending school, as well as businesses in the immediate area, which were unable to open.

"Our thanks to everyone who was impacted, and who worked with us as we dealt with this situation.

"We know how disruptive these situations are, however, public safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and we cannot take any chances with these type of incidents."

The senior officer condemned those responsible for the alert, saying they had "no care or regard for the community and the people whose lives they are disrupting".

'Young families and children'

A resident, who did not want to be named, told BBC Radio Foyle earlier on Thursday that the alert was in the "same place" as the one seven days ago.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said the latest alert has caused "more disruption for young families and children".

SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said those behind the alert "care nothing for the impact their actions are having on these families".

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme earlier on Thursday, DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said it is "unacceptable, deeply concerning and disgusting" that people have had to leave their homes in the middle of the night.

"This is not something that is part of a normal society. There is no justification for it and it is wrong," Middleton said.

Last week, about 20 homes were evacuated in the same area following the discovery of two viable pipe bombs.