Two men, both in their twenties, have been arrested.
The PSNI have confirmed that two men, both in their twenties, have been arrested by detectives that are investigating the recent explosion that occurred outside Bishop Street courthouse in Derry.
David Blevin, Sky News’ Senior Ireland Correspondent, has said that the attack has been linked to the dissident ‘Real IRA.’
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, PSNI Foyle’s Facebook page stated that: “As far as we know no one injured. There is another car we are not happy about. There are ongoing necessary evacuations” and that a “second suspicious car has been checked. We are now just dealing with an extensive crime scene.”
Earlier this afternoon, the PSNI released an updated statement where they described the attack as ‘unbelievably reckless’.
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.
“At this stage it appears as though the vehicle used had been hijacked from a delivery driver in the Quarry Street area a short time before the explosion. This attack was unbelievably reckless. Thankfully the attackers failed to kill or injure any members the local community out socialising and enjoying the best of what the city has to offer.
“The people responsible for this attack have shown no regard for the community or local businesses. They care little about the damage to the area and the disruption they have caused. The area remains sealed off and church services at St Augustine’s has been moved to St Peters and the Cathedral services have been cancelled this morning as a result.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and co-operation of the local community and I am appealing to anyone with information to please get in touch with us on 101. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The Tánaiste also released a short statement on Twitter which said: “I utterly condemn the car bomb terrorist attack in Derry this evening. There is no place and no justification possible for such acts of terror, which seek to drag Northern Ireland back to violence and conflict.”
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley also released a statement which said: “This attempt to disrupt progress in Northern Ireland has rightly been met with utter condemnation from all parts of the community. The small number of people responsible have absolutely nothing to offer Northern Ireland’s future and will not prevail.
“Our voices across the political spectrum are united. This is intolerable violence and we want to look forward and build a peaceful future for all in Northern Ireland. Thank you to the PSNI and emergency services who are working so hard to keep people safe and secure.”
Two men, both in their twenties, have been arrested by detectives investigating explosion outside Bishop Street courthouse in Derry/Londonderry.
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 20, 2019
BREAKING: Police linking last night’s vehicle bomb in Derry / Londonderry to the dissident ‘Real IRA.’ Two arrests made.
— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) January 20, 2019
STATEMENT: The Secretary of State thanks @PoliceServiceNI and emergency services, and says voices across the political spectrum in are united against intolerable violence in Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/79hKZjIWBO
— Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) January 20, 2019
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