Derry police defend actions during Waterside security alerts
Derry’s most senior police officer has defended the PSNI’s actions during weekend security alerts after questions were raised over its handling of the incident.
The alert was raised after 3.00pm on Saturday after police received report of objects being left at the railway station on Duke Street and the “Quarry Steps” area of Spencer Road.
The railway station was evacuated and the line between Coleraine and Derry closed, with a number of cordons also put in place.
The alerts came as 1,500 marchers and 30 bands took part the annual Apprentice Boys parade in the city.
A suspicious object was also discovered by officers in the area of Alfred Street and Clooney Terrace at around 11.00pm on Saturday night.
A number of properties were evacuated as the object was examined by Army Technical Officers (ATO).
The object was declared as ‘nothing untoward’ by 1.30am on Sunday morning.
The security alerts ended shortly after 1.00pm yesterday after police confirmed that nothing untoward was found during the searches.
However, the Foyle SDLP MLA has now raised questions over the police’s handling of the alert, claiming that the police received a report at 11.00am, yet took no action for almost four hours.
“First and foremost, those responsible for these incidents must be condemned, as they caused inconvenience and upheaval to thousands of people, not to mention the cost to local businesses,” he said.
“However, I think the PSNI may have questions to answer over their handling of the whole incident. It is my understanding that a warning was received yesterday morning, yet no alert was raised until almost 4pm.”
Responding, the PSNI Area Commander, Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan, said that the police response did ‘alter’ after receiving more information in the afternoon.
"Officers put in place an appropriate and proportionate response to information received stating that objects had been left at the ‘Quarry Steps’ and the railway station,” he said.
“The police response was altered later in the afternoon as further information was received. The safety of the public is always the main priority of police."
He added: “We appreciate the support of local people as we worked to establish the substance of the claims and I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation during this operation.
“Whilst we have conducted a detailed search of the area I would ask local people to remain vigilant and, if you see any suspicious objects, please do not touch them but inform police immediately by dialling 999.”