Viable device found during Foreglen security alert
Army Technical Officers carried out a controlled explosion, and later deemed the device to be viable
A viable device has been found during a security alert on the Foreglen Road near Dungiven.
The road was closed yesterday morning (Friday) while police carried out searches in the area.
The road re-opened in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
North Area Engagement Chief Inspector Mullan said a suspected pipe bomb was located on Friday.
“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene. They carried out a controlled explosion, and later deemed the device to be viable,” said the Chief Inspector.
“The remnants of the item have now been taken away for forensic examination.”
The security alert comes almost three weeks after the County Derry Post newspaper received a telephone call from the North Derry Republican Group claiming that a viable device had been left in the area.
Police initially carried out a search of the area on Sunday, June 28 closing the road for several hours however at the time they stated that nothing suspicious had been found.
The Chief Inspector thanked the community for their patience during the disruption.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as searches in the area were carried out overnight and into this morning. Closing roads causes disruption and inconvenience but, ultimately, public safety is our priority.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information which could assist with our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 304 17/07/26.”
“A report can also be submitted online at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/