PSNI thwart mortar attack in Derry as Cameron arrives in the North

Police have foiled a suspected mortar attack close to a police station in Co Derry.

A viable mortar-type device was discovered during a security alert in the Lawrence Hill area near Strand Road police station in Derry.

The discovery was made as British Prime Minister David Cameron flew into the North for a major investment conference.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Stephen Cargin said the perpetrators showed a complete disregard for innocent lives.

He said: “It is only by good fortune that we are not talking about loss of life or serious damage to property.

“While the device will be forensically examined in due course, it is safe to say that the intent here was to kill or injure and create fear within the community.”

Up to 1,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes as British Army bomb experts worked through the night to make the device safe.

The find also follows two murders in Belfast and Derry which have been blamed on dissident republican extremists opposed to the peace process.