A viable postal device was delivered to a hotel in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, prompting evacuations and a controlled explosion, with police investigating whether dissident republicans may be responsible.
The hotel at Ebrington Square was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon, along with several neighbouring properties, during a security alert that began at 3.20pm while a Halloween fun fair was taking place in the area.
Army ammunition technical officers attended the scene in the Waterside area of Derry and carried out a controlled explosion on the package.
Police Condemn 'Reckless and Targeted Attack'
Police described the incident as a "reckless and targeted attack" that caused "significant disruption and distress" to the local community.
Area Commander of Derry City and Strabane Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney confirmed on Wednesday that it was a viable postal device.
"Our investigation is at an early stage. We are keeping an open mind as to who is responsible, and we are working through a number of lines of inquiry, one of which, at this time, is that dissident republicans may be responsible," she said.
Investigation and Appeal for Information
Kearney thanked the public for their patience during the operation, which lasted from the afternoon until close to midnight, and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
"What occurred is shameful and utterly abhorrent, and those responsible clearly do not care who or what they harm," she added.
Stormont's Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the attack, saying it was "abhorrent to think a viable device has been placed in the vicinity of families and young people celebrating Halloween."
Foyle Assembly member Julie Middleton described the incident as "deeply disturbing" and said those responsible "hold no regard for human life."
