The Ulster Unionist Party’s Foyle representative Julia Kee, has condemned those behind last night’s security alert which caused widespread disruption in the Strand Road area of Londonderry.
Ms Kee said:
“Once again the people of Londonderry have had their lives disrupted by the actions of people who have nothing positive to contribute to this City or this country.
“A device was left at Bayview Terrace near Strand Road Police Station and caused the evacuation of local residents.
“I understand that Police are investigating a possible link between the alert and a vehicle hijacking in Quarry Street at around ten o’clock on Thursday night.
“These are people with no strategy and who are of no use to anyone. They are not striking a blow for Irish unity or 'freedom' rather they are inconveniencing people who are trying to live their lives and bring up their children or care for elderly relatives.
“I call upon all those who wish to see our community free from the scourge of paramilitarism and criminality, to stand with the Police and give them every support possible to remove these criminal gangs from our City and let us live our lives in peace.”