"Viable pipe bomb" explodes in the garden of a Londonderry home

Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes in Londonderry last night due to a security alert.

The PSNI say the remains of an exploded “viable pipe bomb type device” have been recovered by army technical officers.

Residents at Erne Gardens, in the city's Waterside, reported that a device had detonated in the garden of a home at around 10.20pm on Wednesday night.

Two men and a woman, who were in the property at the time of the explosion, have reportedly been left “very badly shaken” by the incident.

A number of residents were forced to take shelter at Irish Street Community Centre, however, they have since been allowed to return to their homes.

Detective Inspector Conor McStravick has appealed to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area or anyone who has information about this incident to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1235 25/01/17.

Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.