Hoax device found on grounds of primary school

A police car is seen beside a school that has a cordon. The school fence is seen outside a large white building.PSNI

Sacred Heart Primary School, in Londonderry, was evacuated during the alert

Joe Doran & Jessica Lawrence
BBC News NI

A suspicious object, which forced a Londonderry primary school and nearby homes to be evacuated, has been declared a hoax by police.

The object was discovered on the grounds of Sacred Heart Primary School on the Trench Road in Waterside at about 11:20 BST on Thursday morning.

The school, as well as several homes and business premises in Knockwellan Park and Cromkill Place, were evacuated as a result and cordons were put in place.

Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and examined the object, which was determined to be a hoax and was removed for further inspection.

Roads in the area have now reopened and residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

Ch Insp Cathal Pearce thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.

"We appreciate this has caused inconvenience, but public safety is our priority," he said.

He added that enquiries are ongoing and has asked those with information to contact police.

A police vehicle is beside a police cordon. Another police car is stationed further up a road beside another cordon.

A number roads were closed as officers attended the scene

'Widespread disgust'

Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said it was "appalling" that the school had been forced to evacuate staff and pupils.

He said pupils had been looked after in a nearby community centre, where parents were able to collect them.

"Those behind such reckless actions have caused a great deal of distress, disruption and concern to young children who should have been enjoying a day preparing for their summer break," Jackson said.

"There is widespread disgust within the community in Top of the Hill who want to see an end to this sort of mindless disruption and fear."

A police officer is in full uniform with his back toward the camera. He is standing near a police cordon and a two police vehicles can be seen at the far end of a closed off road. A grassy embankment, some houses and trees line either side of the road.

A number of police officers attended the scene on Thursday

SDLP councillor Sean Mooney said his thoughts were with the children, school staff and the local community who were caught up in the alert.

"To have primary school children removed from their school due to a suspect device is totally wrong and cannot be condoned in any way," he said.

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