Children from a church youth club were among those evacuated during last night’s incident in Derry.
Police have condemned what’s believed to have been a bomb attack on Derry’s courthouse as ‘unbelievably reckless’.
Two men in their 20s were arrested in the city this morning. They remain in custody at present.
Police say the vehicle used had been hijacked from a delivery driver in Quarry Street a short time before the explosion.
Police began evacuating people from nearby buildings, including hundreds of hotel guests, 150 people from the Masonic Hall and children from a church youth club.
The device detonated at 8.10pm.
The car bomb in #Derry isn't representative of the city I've adopted as home. The city is vibrant, funny, quirky & welcoming. Those who are against the city by bombing it want a return to barbed wire and military – no thanks. Go away & listen to the people! You're not wanted! pic.twitter.com/O4UXqCyGv6
— Homeless Derry (@HomelessDerry) January 20, 2019
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 five minutes later, information was received that a device had been left at the courthouse.
“This attack was unbelievably reckless. Thankfully the attackers failed to kill or injure any members of the local community out socialising and enjoying the best of what the city has to offer,” he said.
And the Assistant Chief Constable said 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,” he added.
The area remains sealed off and church services at St Augustine’s has been moved to St Peter’s 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,” he added.