Police in L'Derry have confirmed that a viable postal device was delivered to a hotel at the Ebrington site.

Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: "I can confirm this was a viable postal device that was sent to a hotel in Ebrington."

She said the investigation remains at an early stage, with officers pursuing several lines of enquiry and keeping an open mind about who is responsible. "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.

Chief Superintendent Kearney thanked the public for their patience and co-operation as police dealt with the incident from Tuesday afternoon until close to midnight, working to minimise disruption and ensure public safety.

Condemning the incident, Kearney said: "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." Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 1089 of 27/10/26, or submit a report online using the witness appeal form at reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Looking ahead to upcoming events marking the 40th anniversary of the city's Halloween festival, Chief Superintendent Kearney said: "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."

Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has condemned the discovery of a viable explosive device in Londonderry amid Hallowe'en celebrations and praised the police response.

Minister Long said: "I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms; it is abhorrent to think a viable device has been placed in the vicinity of families and young people celebrating Hallowe'en.

"It was an utterly shameful and dangerous act and the people behind it have shown absolutely no regard to the community or businesses affected.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the police officers who responded to this incident, once again putting themselves in harms' way to ensure the safety of the public.

"The professionalism and courage of the police stands in stark contrast to those intent on bringing fear and disruption to our streets."