Hoaxers behind Derry security alert that saw primary school evacuated branded ‘disgraceful’

Children and staff were evacuated from Lisnagelvin Primary School as the emergency services responded to the incident at Richill Park in the Waterside. The school has now re-opened after the PSNI confirmed the alert was hoax.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said: “The security alert has now ended and has been described as a hoax. Sadly the disruption and distress has already been caused.”

The Waterside representative condemned those behind the alert.

“This is disgraceful disruption to children as they marked their Coronation celebrations. Both Lisnagelvin Primary school and Nursery have been evacuated due to the security alert. A lot of upset and distress caused by reckless actions,” he stated.

SDLP MP Colum Eastwood said it was ‘disgusting’ that the security alert had resulted in the disruption of the education of local school children.

“It’s disgraceful that pupils and staff at Lisnagelvin Primary School have been forced out of their classrooms on a Friday afternoon as a result of this security alert.

"These are scenes that should be left in the distant past and it’s unfortunate that children will have to experience this frightening incident alongside having their education disrupted.

“People in Derry and across the North are sick and tired of their lives being interrupted by security alerts and similar incidents. The people behind this care nothing for the community here who just want to get on with their lives in peace and quiet.

“Police are investigating and I hope that this is brought to a peaceful conclusion soon. We need to see an end to these alerts and disruptions that continue to plague our communities, those responsible have no support and they need to realise that and move on.”

Waterside local election candidate for the UUP Darren Guy said: "I was informed of a telephoned bomb warning that a device had been left in a vehicle close to Lisnagelvin Primary School, where a King's Coronation event was taking place.

"The PSNI along with teachers and parents assisted in evacuating the pupils aged from 4 to 10 year of age from the school to Kilfennan Presbyterian Church. All parents were made aware of the ongoing security alert and asked to pick up their kids from the Church."

"I have spoken with a few parents who said when they arrived at the Church many of the children were scared, crying and in shock of what had just happened.

"This shows just how low these sad, sick individuals will go to in trying to upset the peace. To use a children's Coronation event for their own warped minds is totally abhorrent, unacceptable and should be resigned to the dark old, troubled days

"These people need to move on, and catch-up with the rest of society."

Superintendent Clive Beatty said: "The security alert in the Richill Park area of the Waterside in Derry/Londonderry is over. Nothing untoward was found during a search of the area.

"Both Richill Park and the local primary school have re-opened.

"Thank you to everyone impacted as we conducted our enquiries and worked to ensure the safety of the area."