Viable explosive device was sent to a Londonderry hotel near a Halloween funfair in a 'reckless and targeted attack', police say

Army bomb disposal officers detonated the package on Tuesday afternoon after it was delivered containing a viable explosive device to the hotel at Ebrington Square in the city's Waterside area. A Halloween funfair was operating nearby when the alert was triggered at 3.20pm, prompting the evacuation of hotel guests and staff from neighbouring premises. Justice Minister Naomi Long described the act as "abhorrent", and PSNI Detective Superintendent Kearney confirmed the device's remnants had been sent for forensic examination.

The funfair was still operating throughout the security alert, with families and children in the vicinity when the device was found.

Long said those responsible showed "absolutely no regard to the community or businesses affected" and paid tribute to officers who "put themselves in harm's way".

Police are appealing for information via 101, quoting reference 1089 of 27/10/26, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.