Object at centre of Co Derry security alert ‘may have been viable explosive device'
A security alert in Co Derry has ended after police carried out a 'controlled explosion' of a possible viable device.
The incident occurred in the Golf Terrace area of Magherafelt after the discovery of a suspicious object on Saturday at around 7.20pm.
Some homes were initially evacuated as a safety precaution, with residents allowed to return earlier today.
'Police received a report of a suspicious object outside a residential property at around 7.20pm on Saturday, 2nd August,' said PSNI Detective Sergeant Reid.
'Officers attended the scene and a safety operation was put in place. The road was closed to motorists and a number of local residents had to be evacuated from their homes overnight.
'Ammunition Technical Officers determined that the object may have been a viable explosive device and carried out a controlled explosion, before residents were able to return to their homes on Sunday morning.'
Detective Sergeant Reid added: 'This was an extremely distressing experience for residents, who had to deal with the fear of this device in their community alongside the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes.
'The device has been taken away for further examination and detectives are keen to establish the circumstances surrounding this report.
"Our enquiries are ongoing and we appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1410 02/08/25.'
The alert has since ended
News in 90 Seconds - Sunday, August 3rd
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