Around 40 people evacuated from their homes this morning because of a security alert in Derry

A large number of people were evacuated from their homes in Derry this morning because of a security alert.

The alert took place in the Irish Street area of the city.

DUP councillor Drew Thompson said around 40 people were evacuated around 1am when an loud bang was heard in the area.

Some of those evacuated were taken to the local community centre, while others went to stay with relatives.

Alderman Thompson said he had been told that the bang may have been caused by a pipe bomb-type device.

There are no further details yet about the incident which is being investigated by the PSNI.