Bomb alert at Derry mayor's home

Dissident republicans were today being blamed for an overnight bomb alert at the home of the Mayor of Derry.

SDLP Mayor Sean Gallagher’s participation in the city’s Remembrance Sunday service is thought to be behind the alert.

At least 10 houses at Capall Court in the Shantallow area of Derry were evacuated after one of Mr Gallagher’s sons found a suspect device at the rear of the family home late last night.

An Army bomb disposal team declared it a hoax after carrying out a controlled explosion.

SDLP councillor Pat Ramsay said the Gallagher family had been deeply shocked by the incident.

He claimed the Mayor’s involvement in the Remembrance service could have been the cause.