Small bomb explodes in Derry hotel as officers attempt to defuse
A “suspect device” exploded in a hotel in Derry while specialist officers were urgently working to defuse it, police have said.
The device was thrown into the reception of the Everglades Hotel in the Prehen area of Derry by a masked man last night.
It detonated a short time later as Army bomb disposal officers were urgently working to defuse it. No-one was injured in the explosion.
The finger of suspicion will be pointed at dissident republican extremists opposed to the peace process.
“People of Derry won’t see this as an attack against a particular site but, in fact, an attack against the whole city,” said MP Mark Durkan.
A PSNI spokeswoman praised “the swift actions of hotel staff and responding police officers in ensuring all guests were quickly evacuated”.
“Their actions have undoubtedly helped to prevent a tragedy,” she added.
Hotel guests have been transported to other hotels in the city. A road closure is in place around Victoria Road.
