Massive bomb ‘ready for use’

DISSIDENT republicans abandoned a massive van bomb near the Foyle Bridge in Derry, a senior police officer said yesterday.

The 600lb device, which was made safe by army bomb disposal experts, was primed and ready for use, said Chief Inspector George Brien.

“It has all the hallmarks of a dissident republican device. We don’t know yet what the target was but it is clear it was intended for an imminent attack,” he said.