Security guard critical after Derry blast

Dissident republicans are believed to be behind a bomb attack at an army training centre in Co Derry which left a civilian security guard critically injured.

The 48-year-old Ministry of Defence worker sustained severe injuries to his lower body after he picked up the device at a perimeter fence of the training centre at Benone beach near Limavady.

He was taken to the Causeway Hospital at Coleraine where he underwent emergency abdominal surgery.

A Causeway Health Trust spokeswoman said the injured man was now out of the operating theatre and had been moved to intensive care at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.

She said the man, who remains critically ill, was transferred because the intensive care ward at the Causeway Hospital was full.

Police have confirmed that the blast was terrorist related, while the MP for the area linked the incident to recent dissident attacks on other military targets in the area.

Superintendent Mervyn Hood, police commander for the Limavady area said the terrorists had been intent on mass murder.

He said: ‘‘I utterly condemn this despicable, savage attack. This device was designed to kill and maim.

‘‘Those planting such a device must have known the horrific consequence of their actions.’’

Extending his sympathy to the seriously injured man and his family, Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid said: ‘‘The people who did this belong to a poisonous past.

‘‘They are trying to drag the whole of Northern Ireland back but they will not be allowed to do that.’’

First Minister David Trimble also condemned those responsible for planting the bomb.