Viable bomb found in Lettershandoney alert

By David Hunter

A security alert in the Lettershandoney area of Derry - Londonderry has ended.

Police say they've recovered a viable device after a two day search of the area. 

It was sparked following reports from dissident republicans that a device had been left nearby. 

Earlier, Detectives said the information provided had been conflicting. 

Superintendent Gordon McCalmont confirmed that a viable device was found and will be taken away for further examination.

He said “When violent dissident criminals tell us that there is a device in the area we do not take chances.

"Conflicting and inaccurate information provided by those criminal elements prolonged this operation further and the blame lies squarely with those individuals who seem intent on creating fear and causing harm within our communities.”

“I know from discussions with community representatives over the last few days that the majority of people understand that this level of policing operation was necessary to make sure lives were not at risk."