Security Alert In L'Derry Ends

A security alert in L'Derry has ended.

A controlled explosion was carried out on a viable device in the Feeney area in Dungiven on Wednesday.

The alert began after police received a report of an anonymous call on Tuesday.

PSNI Superintendent John Magill said: "This is the second security alert in the area since mid-November. Again, we have had road closures and disruption caused to a rural community.

"People are trying to go about their day to day lives. They are trying to get children to school, visit elderly relatives and go about their working week. The last thing people need is the recklessness and disruption created by these incidents.

"We have had officers in the area since yesterday evening.These officers have worked hard to keep people safe during the security alert.

"However, these same officers could have been better used in meeting areas of community concern during the past 21 hours. Arresting drug dealers, drink drivers or working with victims of domestic abuse, for example.

"The blame for this incident lies squarely on the reckless individuals who placed the device. My message for them is simple; give the community a break."

All roads have been reopened.

(CD/LM)