Two men in their twenties have been arrested by Police investigating a car bomb attack in Derry.
The blast happened at ten past eight last night close to the courthouse on Bishop Street in the city.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “At around 7.55pm last night officers on patrol in Bishop Street spotted a suspicious vehicle and were making checks when, around 5 minutes later, information was received that a device had been left at the courthouse.
"We moved immediately to begin evacuating people from nearby buildings including hundreds of hotel guests, 150 people from the Masonic Hall and a large number of children from a church youth club. The device detonated at 8.10pm.
Two men, both in their twenties, have been arrested by detectives investigating explosion outside Bishop Street courthouse in Derry/Londonderry.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 20, 2019
Community leaders and politicians have condemned the attack.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster has described it as a "pointless act of terror".
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. https://t.co/IMJ7Dn9rAa— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) January 19, 2019
Mayor John Boyle challenged those responsible - asking them what it was that they thought they were going to achieve.
Tanaiste Simon Coveney has condemned the attack. He says there is no place or justification possible for the attack.
