Explosion in centre of Londonderry

Initial reports, although as yet unconfirmed, suggest that a pipe bomb exploded outside the recently established City of Culture offices at Custom House Street. The explosion took place at approximately 3.30am and there no reports of any injuries.

The City of Culture offices were established at the recently refurbished Northern Counties building after the award of the title of UK City of Culture to Londonderry for 2013.

Whilst it is yet to be established if the incident was a bomb attack statements from dissident republican organisations in Londonderry recently strongly condemned the award of the UK City of Culture to the city.

Mayor of the city, SDLP councillor Colum Eastwod said he believed it was an attack on the City of Culture offices, but added nothing was confirmed.

"This city will not be held back, these people are living in the dark ages."

Army Technical Officers have attended the scene and initial eyewitness reports suggest that there has been minimal damage to the offices. Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle, City Centre Initiative manager Jim Roddy said that large plate glass windows at the offices remained intact but a small amount of damage has been caused to the door of the premises.

Police are advising that the pedestrian area at Guildhall Square leading to Waterloo Place has been closed. There are suggestions that any disruption caused by the incident will be resolved by lunchtime today.