'Reckless attack' condemned after viable device delivered to hotel at Ebrington Square in Derry
Police have condemned as ‘reckless’ an attack in which a viable device was delivered to a hotel off Derry’s Ebrington Square on the same week tens of thousands are visiting the city for Europe’s largest Halloween festival.
The security operation – which saw employees from several businesses in the area surrounding the public square in the Waterside area of the city evacuated – ended shortly before midnight on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of people are attending Derry’s Halloween festival, with a fun fair already up and running in the vicinity of Ebrington Square.
Speaking on Tuesday night, PSNI Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: “Police received a report at around 3.20pm this afternoon, Tuesday, October 27, that a suspicious package had been delivered to a hotel in the city.
“Officers attended the scene and a number of people were subsequently evacuated from the premises, along with staff from neighbouring premises, during the public safety operation that followed.
“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene, examined the object, and carried out a controlled explosion on the device which was deemed to be viable. The item has now been taken away for forensic examination and an investigation has commenced.
“I condemn this reckless and targeted attack, and I recognise the significant disruption and distress it has caused to the local community.”
Politicians across the city have expressed disgust at those responsible for the attack.
Eastwood: Explosive device sent to hotel ‘despicable’
SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has branded an explosive device sent to a hotel in the area “despicable”.
He was speaking after the device sparked a security alert near a hotel in the Ebrington Square area yesterday.
Police carried out a controlled explosion on the device, which was deemed viable.
Speaking on Wednesday, Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “To target a hotel with a funfair nearby in the middle of Derry’s Halloween celebrations is absolutely despicable. Tourists have flocked to our city, families are enjoying the half-term break and people are out celebrating Halloween. This put hotel staff, guests and families, including children, at risk. We could have been waking up to a tragedy today.
“I would challenge the people behind this to explain why they are disrupting the life of this city in this way. There can be no twisted justification or logic for carrying out an act like this. The people of Derry are rightly repulsed at this and it was not done in their name.
“This weekend will show everything positive about our city in stark contrast to the people who carried out this thoughtless act.”
Foyle DUP MLA Julie Middleton MLA said: “It is deeply disturbing that a viable device has been discovered within the Ebrington site. Those responsible hold no regard for human life, or the want for peace and prosperity in our city.
“Yesterday, at Ebrington square there will have been families, including children, enjoying the Fun Fair, residents at their workplace, or enjoying a meal, as well as visitors and tourists at a nearby Hotel. It is deplorable that a viable device was found.
“I am hugely thankful to our Police Service for their diligent work this evening in keeping our community calm and safe. I now strongly appeal to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it to be, to please pass this information on to the PSNI.
“To those responsible for this attack, I say shame on you. Your vile actions, wicked thought processes and disgusting behaviour are not welcome.”
Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan meanwhile questioned: “Who would place an explosive device in a hotel, risking injury or even worse to the local men and women working there and all those visiting?”
"Whoever is responsible for the incident at Ebrington is no friend of people, no friend of peace and no friend of Derry,” he added.
Justice Minister Naomi Long also condemned the attack. She said: “Those responsible for this viable device have again shown reckless disregard for the community and businesses affected.
"Thanks to the police officers who responded, ensuring the public were kept safe. Their courage is in stark contrast to those intent on destruction.”
Appealing for information, Chief Superintendent Kearney said: “We would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 1089 of 27/10/26.
“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555.”