Two men held after bomb linked to dissident IRA

TWO men were arrested yesterday by police investigating an attempted major bomb attack in Derry which was linked to dissident republicans.

Officers intercepted a van packed with explosives which was abandoned close to the city’s Foyle Bridge. Police said the 1,200lb device, which was made safe by Army bomb disposal experts, was primed and would have caused immense damage.

A police spokesman said two men, aged 33 and 24, were taken into custody this morning and were helping officers with their inquiries.