The key facts

  • A viable explosive device was found in a parcel delivered to The Ebrington hotel in Londonderry
  • The device was destroyed in a controlled explosion and sent for forensic examination
  • A number of politicians suggest a link to a careers fair involving the Ministry of Defence, but a Sinn Féin representative considers speculation premature

Parcel containing explosives at a hotel on Ebrington Square

A suspicious package delivered to The Ebrington hotel on Ebrington Square in the Waterside area of Londonderry, as reported by BBC News, contained a viable explosive device. The parcel was discovered on Tuesday at around 15:20 GMT, after which army bomb disposal experts were sent to the scene. They carried out a controlled explosion of the device, which was then removed for forensic examination.

Evacuation and police response

According to Detective Superintendent Kearney of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, a number of people were evacuated from the hotel, as well as staff from neighbouring buildings. He condemned the incident as a reckless and targeted attack. At the time, a Halloween festive fair was taking place near the hotel and remained open during the alert.

Possible link to careers fair — accounts differ

The chair of the local policing board, unionist councillor Darren Guy, believes the incident may have been connected to the Ministry of Defence's participation in a careers fair at the same hotel in September, where, he said, there was an RAF tent. He also believes the device was planted this very week to cause maximum disruption during the 40th Halloween celebrations, which attract thousands of foreign visitors. Sinn Féin representative Christopher Jackson, by contrast, said it was too early to speculate about a link to the fair and demanded clarification from those responsible.

Politicians condemn the incident

Justice Minister Naomi Long described what happened as despicable, stressing that the device was planted near families and young people celebrating Halloween. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Grace Uí Niallais said the incident undoubtedly caused trauma to everyone affected, but that the city would not go back to the past and would continue its four days of celebrations. SDLP MP Colum Eastwood, speaking on the programme North West Today on BBC Radio Foyle , called the device clearly viable and terrifying for hotel staff, guests and the hundreds, probably thousands, of children at the fair. DUP Assembly Member Julie Middleton, on the programme Good Morning Ulster on BBC Radio Ulster , said she was deeply shocked and offended, and that the device was clearly intended to cause harm. Visitors to the city, according to BBC News, also condemned the incident: Teresa Boyle from Enniskillen noted that the community is moving forward and wants peace.

A police officer stands with his back to the camera. He is in uniform and standing beside a police car. Police tape can be seen in front of buildings in the background.
Image caption,

The package was discovered on Tuesday afternoon

A hotel building has the words The Ebrington on its roof. It is grey and white and sits in front of three, small leafless trees.
Image caption,

The hotel had to be evacuated along with staff from neighbouring premises

A woman with a black coat, hood up, wearing a white hat looks at the camera. She has on a pink backpack and stands on a grey-stone street in front of a large grey hotel building
Image caption,

Teresa Boyle said no one wants to return to the dark days of the past

A woman with light hair, she has a navy top with pink flowers on itImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

Justice Minister Naomi Long called it 'an utterly shameful and dangerous act'