Derry police say dissident republicans may be responsible for Ebrington viable device
Police investigating a viable explosive device delivered to a hotel in Derry’s Ebrington Square have said dissident republicans may be responsible, although enquiries remain at an early stage.
Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: “I can confirm this was a viable postal device that was sent to a hotel in Ebrington.
“Our investigation is at an early stage. We are keeping an open mind as to who is responsible, and we are working through a number of lines of enquiry, one of which, at this time, is that dissident republicans may be responsible.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation as we worked through the situation on Tuesday, from the afternoon until close to midnight. We worked to keep disruption to an absolute minimum while working to keep everyone safe.
“What occurred is shameful and utterly abhorrent, and those responsible clearly do not care who or what they harm.
"As our investigation continues, I am appealing to anyone who has information that can help identify those responsible to report what you know, no matter how insignificant it may seem. It could make all the difference."
Information can be provided to police by calling 101, quoting reference number 1089 of 27/10/26 or by submitting a report online using the witness appeal form https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Chief Superintendent Kearney added: “As we look forward to several days of events in the city for what will be the 40th anniversary of the world-renowned Halloween Festival in the city, I want to reassure the public my officers will be here to help you when you need us.
“They will be on patrol, across the city and District, in every community, working to keep everyone safe.”
The security operation – which saw employees from several businesses in the area surrounding the public square in the Waterside area of the city evacuated – ended shortly before midnight on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of people are attending Derry’s Halloween festival, with a fun fair already up and running in the vicinity of Ebrington Square.