Pipe bomb attack on Derry home condemned

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has condemned those behind a pipe bomb attack in the Waterside area of Derry.

A woman in her 20s was inside the home in Heron Way when the device partially exploded at the backdoor at around 11.30pm. She wasn't injured however damage was caused to the door.

A number of nearby homes were evacuated for a time while police and ATO examined the scene.

Police have said that a sectarian hate crime motivation is one line of inquiry.

Ms McLaughlin said: “I would unequivocally condemn those behind this heinous incident at Heron Way in the Waterside last night. There is absolutely no place for such incidents in our city and my heart goes out to the young woman who has no doubt been left extremely shaken as a result of this ordeal.

“We are extremely lucky that nobody was harmed or worse in this incident. The whole community stands in opposition to such destructive acts that put people at risk. It’s also concerning that police are investigating if this incident was a sectarian hate crime. Everybody should be able to live in peace without being subjected to this kind of attack.

"I would urge anyone with any information about this attack to come forward and assist the PSNI in its enquiries. The local community are rightly horrified at what has taken place and the people behind this must face the consequences of their actions.”