Police investigate bomb attack in Derry

Police are investigating an overnight explosion in the County Derry village of Magharafelt

Police are investigating an overnight explosion in the County Derry village of Magharafelt. Police attended the scene at Hazel Dean Avenue after a device exploded under a van at around 4.30.

The Ford Transit van was damaged in the attack but there were no injuries. Damage was caused to the front section of the van but none of the surrounding properties were damaged.

A number of local residents were evacuated in the area during the follow-up search.

Police say they are keeping an open mind on the reasons for the attack  but have ruled out a sectarian motive. It is not believed to be connected to tensions between feuding loyalists in Belfast.

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Army bomb experts left the scene and removed the remains of the  device, which was believed to have been a pipe bomb.

SDLP Assembly member for the area Patsy McGlone said he and party colleagues would be meeting police in Magherafelt later today to discuss the incident.

"Those responsible for this act of lunacy in a built-up area are to be condemned outright for their actions.   "The sooner they are brought to account, the better," he added.