Security alert in Ballykelly

Councillor Beattie, who lives close to the area and visited the scene yesterday evening, said people are shocked at what has happened.

Councillor Beattie said: “This is a very quiet country area where people live in peace and get on with their lives. It is extremely worrying that this type of unjustifiable action has come to the Carnamuff area again, after a hoax alert just down the road last year. This alert has caused disruption and nobody wants this type of reckless activity here. It is not welcome and I condemn it.”

East Londonderry MLA John Dallat said: “When constitutional politics appears to be in crisis it is almost inevitable the failed men of the past will come out of their rat holes.

“This is a very disturbing development in such a quiet, rural area and it should serve as a shock reminder to those currently creating a crisis in the political system to get back to their desks and wise up. There is absolutely no justification for this type of action.”