Derry security alert declared an "elaborate hoax"

A suspicious object, discovered close to a children's playgroup in Derry - Londonderry, has been declared an "elaborate hoax".

Twenty-four children and staff were evacuated from Rainbow Child and Family Centre at around 10am on Tuesday morning. 

The centre has been operating in Rossnagalliagh for almost 30 years.

Manager Jacki Connolly said staff were "shocked and disgusted" at the discovery:

Dozens of residents were unable to access their homes as Army Technical Officers (ATO) examined the object.

It has since been taken away for forensic examination and all roads re-opened. 

ATO arriving at the scene of a security alert in Derry, a nursery school had to be evacuated earlier pic.twitter.com/A9OpjlmSu3

— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) November 22, 2016

Chief Inspector Gordon McCalmont said: "This incident has caused inconvenience, disruption and upset for the local community and I would like to thank the members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the operation this morning."

Councillor Brian Tierney described those responsible as "beneath contempt".

“People have been unable to return to their homes and a crèche has had to be evacuated to ensure that the children are safe", he added.

“The people of Derry are sick to the back teeth with this kind of disruption and they want it to stop.”

Police say the object, which was discovered just yards from a playgroup, was an "elaborate hoax". ATO have now left the scene. pic.twitter.com/fNO0vU2cfk

— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) November 22, 2016

Councillor Elisha McCallion said: “Once again we have widespread disruption caused by a suspect device.

"The Rainbow Child and Family centre had to close for the day due to this disruption, which has caused a lot of upset .This will now also have a knock on affect for after school clubs.

"Whoever is responsible for leaving this device needs to get off the backs of this community.''