Real IRA claims responsibility for Derry blast

The Real IRA has claimed responsibility for last night's bomb blast in Derry.

No one was hurt in the explosion on Culmore Road in the city, however substantial damage was caused to nearby buildings.

The claim of responsibility was made in a phone call to the Derry Journal newspaper by a man using a recognised code-word.

The North's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness earlier described those responsible as "conflict junkies", and said they won't drag the North back to the past.

Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Patterson said Mr McGuinness has shown great strength.

"Given his (Mr McGuinness') background this is a remarkable symbol of how Northern Ireland has moved on and how everybody can pursue their political aims by peaceful, democratic means," Mr Paterson said.