Forensic team called in after latest bomb attack in Londonderry

FORENSIC investigations are under way after a second bomb attack on the City of Culture office in Londonderry.

There were no reports of injuries and police have yet to reveal details on the extent of the damage caused.

It is the second time that the office has been targeted after a pipe bomb planted by dissident republicans in January caused minor damage to the building.

Londonderry’s winning of the UK City of Culture title has secured cross-community support in Northern Ireland.

The city’s Shipquay Street was closed off last night by officers investigating the blast which they reported at around 11pm.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan condemned the people responsible for the explosion.

Mr Durkan said: “Those responsible for this bomb have shown complete and utter contempt for the people of Derry.

“Derry is a city with many challenges and with many difficulties. But the City of Culture is one of the opportunities we have.

“It has been strongly supported across our city, not just for the positive ongoing work to make it a memorable and successful year for Derry, but for the legacy that it will create long after 2013 as a springboard for future investment here.”

He added: “This callous and dangerous act flies in the face of the efforts made by so many people to improve life here.

“Thankfully no-one has been injured, but those graces are no thanks to those who are behind this attack.

“They are out to destroy and they don’t care if they injure or kill when they are at it.”

The Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Professor Michael O’Flaherty, condemned those responsible for the blast.

“Assaults like this on the life of the city are outrageous abuses of the human rights of its people,” he said.

“They put at risk the most basic right of all – the right to life. They traumatise victims of the decades of the Troubles. They threaten to undermine the human right of cultural expression.”

East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell urged residents not to hide those responsible.

“If another bomb or two happens and a fatality occurs there will be dire consequences for the wider community,” he said.