Londonderry: Explosive device found during security alert

Barrs Lane in the Ballymagroarty area of the city was cordoned off on Monday.

An improvised explosive device (IED) has been found during a security alert in Londonderry.

A number of homes were evacuated during the operation in the Barrs Lane area of Ballymagroarty on Monday.

It followed the discovery of a suspicious object shortly before 11:00 GMT.

PSNI Det Insp O'Flaherty said the device has been removed for forensic examination.

"Residents have now returned to their homes and police would like to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation," the officer added.

The Ballymagroarty Community Centre had been made available for those affected and the nearby Farland Way Community Hub also opened to accommodate some of the people unable to enter their homes.

Community worker Margaret Cunningham said those who used the hub had been upset by the disruption.

"There were mums with young children who had come home from school and were standing in the cold unable to get into their homes," she told BBC News NI.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.