A SUSPECTED car bomb has exploded in Co. Derry this evening, with DUP leader Arlene foster branding it a ‘pointless act of terror’.

The explosion took place at around 8.15pm on Bishop Street near Derry Courthouse.

In a statement on Facebook, the PSNI said that while no one was believed to be injured, “there is another car we are not happy about”.

It added that ongoing necessary evacuations are taking place and those living in the area should be make preparations in case they have to leave.

DUP leader Arlene Foster took to Twitter to condemn the incident.


'No regard for human life'

She tweeted: “This pointless act of terror must be condemned in the strongest terms. Only hurts the people of the City. Perpetrated by people with no regard for life. Grateful to our emergency services for their swift actions which helped ensure there have been no fatalities or injuries.”

Sinn Féin MP for Foyle, Elisha McCallion, also hit out at the incident, saying ‘it is not representative of the city’.

“This incident has shocked the local community,” she said.

“In particular, 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 in this incident.

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


“I would encourage anyone with information about this incident to bring it to the police.”

'Nothing to offer'

Local party activist Raymond McCartney echoed Ms McCallion’s sentiments.

He tweeted: “Those responsible have nothing to offer. Derry, Ireland have left them behind, they need to stop and try and catch up with the rest of us.”

Police have advised people to stay away from the area,