A viable postal device was found at The Ebrington hotel in Londonderry’s Waterside at about 15: 20 GMT on Tuesday, prompting an evacuation of hotel occupants and staff from nearby premises. Ammunition Technical Officers attended the site and carried out a controlled explosion before removing the device for forensic examination.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said investigators were keeping an open mind about who was responsible, but one line of inquiry was that dissident republicans may have been involved. She said the investigation remained at an early stage and appealed for information, stressing that public assistance could prove important.
The security alert unfolded near a Halloween funfair, which remained open a short distance away. The incident came as Derry prepared for the 40th anniversary celebrations, expected to draw thousands of visitors and families into the city. No confirmed link has been established between the device and a Ministry of Defence careers event held at the hotel in September, although local policing chair Darren Guy raised that possibility because an RAF stall had reportedly been present.
Other local representatives urged caution about that theory. Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said it was too early to speculate about a connection with the jobs fair, while condemning the incident as an attack on the city. Mayor Grace Uí Niallais said the device had caused trauma for those affected but that the city would continue with its Halloween celebrations.
Justice Minister Naomi Long and Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant condemned the incident, while the Police Federation for Northern Ireland said the device had placed innocent lives at risk. Police described it as shameful and dangerous, and the investigation is continuing with forensic examination and efforts to identify those responsible.