Two explosions in Derry city centre last night have drawn widespread condemnation as police today assess what damage was caused.
A number of homes and businesses were evacuated after the PSNI was issued with coded warnings about the suspected dissident republican bomb attacks shortly after 7.30pm.
The bombs, believed to have been contained in holdalls, exploded close to the tourist office in Foyle Street and at council offices at Strand Road.
There were no reports of any injuries following the blasts shortly after 8pm. The area was cordoned off as police mounted a security operation.
NI justice minister David Ford said the attacks were "desperate actions of yesterday’s men" who "seem to be more wedded to the struggle than to the cause they claim to be pursuing".
The SDLP mayor of Derry Colm Eastwood said those responsible were morally bankrupt and “enemies of Derry and of Ireland”.
Chief Supt Stephen Martin, PSNI district commander in the city, described the blasts as "cowardly and callous".
Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott said Derry should be enjoying the limelight as the UK City of Culture next year, "yet instead some madmen seem to think it is an opportunity for them to seize some publicity".
Additional reporting: PA
