Pipe bomb attack 'thugs' condemned

The gang responsible for launching a pipe bomb attack in which a family of four escaped injury was condemned today.

A couple and two children were in the house in Hawthorne Drive in the Hazlebank area of Derry when the attack took place at 1am.

The device was thrown at the front door of the property, and while damage was caused, no one was injured.

Army technical officers attended the scene and police appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

SDLP Derry City Councillor Mark H Durkan said the children’s lives had been put at risk.

“This is a cowardly and despicable attack on innocent children and indeed all the people of Hawthorne Drive,” he said.

The councillor said the explosion caused extensive shrapnel damage to the house and to neighbouring properties.

“This attack is beyond justification and it is extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed by the actions of these thugs,” he said.

“These pipe bombers have no respect whatsoever for the sanctity of human life and belong behind bars.

“This can only be achieved if the community work with police and pass on any information about this incident to them as a matter of urgency.”