The PSNI has said that a bomb left near the courthouse in Derry was a substantial, viable device.
40 elderly residents of a housing development were among those who had to be evacuated from their homes while British Army bomb experts carried out a series of controlled explosions on the bomb.
The device was planted in a vehicle found yesterday evening in a car park adjacent to the courts.
Dissident republicans who have carried out bombings in Derry in the past year, are being blamed for this attack.
PSNI District Commander in Derry Stephen Martin said the device could have caused death or serious injury.
A security operation is still continuing and has caused traffic disruption.
The incident has forced the cancellation of today’s hearings at Derry courthouse.
Separately, the PSNI have said a small hand-held explosive device was found during a search of waste ground in west Belfast.
The object, which police say could have killed or seriously injured anyone in close proximity, was found on waste ground to the rear of a GAA club off the Grosvenor Road.
