Homes evacuated in Derry due to security alert

Police are advising the public to avoid the area.

Police have advised the public to avoid the area round Glenabbey Close in the Skeoge area where cordons are in place, reports BBC News.

Ammunition technical officers are at the scene and police have said they will be making an update in due course.

This is the second security alert this month in the Glenabbey Close area.

Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy said: "Whoever is responsible needs to listen to the community and stop.

"This has caused more distress and trauma to children being taken out of their beds in the dark of night."

Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said those responsible need to 'wise up', adding: "Absolutely disgraceful that families are forced to leave their homes at any time - but to leave a device in Glenabbey Close on such a cold night and just a week after a similar security alert in the area is another new low."

Last week, 20 homes in the same area were evacuated after police discovered two viable pipe bombs.