Ulster Unionist MLA Ross Hussey has condemned the latest security alerts in Londonderry in which security forces are investigating suspicious devices at two locations in the City’s Waterside area and called for Army Technical Officers to be based permanently in the north-west.
Mr Hussey said:
“Once again Londonderry is in the news for all the wrong reasons.
“Earlier this week residents of Currynierin estate were forced to spend the night out of their homes due to a mortar device which had been left in the area, and today it is the turn of residents in the Trafalgar Court and Jeffrey Avenue areas of the Waterside to be have their daily lives disrupted.
“It is the height of madness to leave explosive devices in residential areas where they could kill or injure any passer-by. These are unstable devices by their very nature and those who plant them have no regard for the safety or well-being of anyone.
“The frequency of such incidents in Londonderry highlights the need for Army Technical Officers to be based permanently in the north-west so as to improve response times.
“I urge the public to give their full support to the Police as they seek to protect the community from the gangsters and criminals who serve no cause but their own.”