CAR BOMB OUTRAGE

Dissidents blamed for ‘pizza van’ attack at courthouse

NORTHERN Ireland was rocked as terror returned to the streets last night.

The peace was shattered when a car bomb exploded outside Derry courthouse.

A device was reported to have been placed in a hijacked pizza delivery van.

It exploded in Bishop Street after 8pm just as police, who had received a warning, had started to evacuate nearby buildings.

The attack, blamed on dissident republicans, was widely condemned with the DUP’s Gary Middleton describing it as a “disgraceful act of terrorism”.

Sinn Fein’s Elisha McCallion

said the incident had “shocked the local community”. The Foyle MP added: “There are many elderly residents who live in the area who have been alarmed by this incident. Thankfully no one appears to have been injured.

“Derry is a city moving forward and no one wants this type of incident. It is not representative of the city.”

Stewart Dickson of Alliance said: “Sick and dangerous criminals in Derry tonight putting lives in danger, anyone with information should speak to the PSNI.”

A police cordon was set up and the remains of the car could be seen burning in the middle of the road.

One female guest at Bishop’s Gate Hotel added: “We heard nothing as we were just sitting eating our meal when the bomb exploded. I have to say the staff

were magnificent after the bomb exploded. We were kept up-to-date with what was happening and then evacuated out the back door. “

A number of bars and homes were cleared and police urged residents to stay away from that area of Derry city centre.

Just before 10pm, police said a second suspicious car had been checked and added: “We are now dealing with an extensive crime scene.”

DUP leader Arlene Foster said the attack was “perpetrated by people with no regard for life” and “only hurts the people of the city”.

She added: “I am grateful to our emergency services for their swift actions which helped ensure there have been no fatalities or injuries.”

The SDLP’s Mark H Durkan said: “The people of Derry do not want this on our streets.

“We are trying to move Derry forward and will not let anyone drag us back to the dark days of the past.”

Mayor John Boyle added: “This is clearly a throwback to he past.

“As mayor I can confidently state I speak for the vast majority of the people in this city who do not want to see this on our streets.”

Sick and dangerous criminals putting lives in danger STEWART DICKSON

OF THE ALLIANCE PARTY

WRECKAGE The burnt out vehicle EVACUATED People on street after attack HORROR BLAST Car burns after attack in Derry last night

UP IN FLAMES Car burns after attack PANIC People are evacuated POLICE CORDON Bishop Street LUCKY ESCAPE People on the streets after attack SCENE OF ATTACK Aftermath of blast outside courthouse in Derry last night

ANGRY Arlene Foster