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>Bomb blast at City of Culture offices >UTV News 13/10/11 > >A bomb has exploded at the City of Culture offices in >Londonderry, an hour after it was discovered by >police. > >It is understood police were alerted to the >possibility that a device had been planted in the area >at around 9.45pm. The bomb exploded shortly before >11pm. > >Officers sent to patrol the area spotted a package >lying against the front door of the City of Culture >office. They cleared the area before the device >detonated. > >Army bomb experts attended the scene of the explosion >at Shipquay Street on Wednesday night, as the area >remained sealed off. > >It is not yet known what kind of damage has been >caused to the premises in the blast, but there have >been no reports of any injuries. > >It is the second time the premises has been bombed. In >January, dissident republicans left a device, which >detonated causing minor damage to the exterior. > >At the scene, UTV's North West correspondent Mark >McFadden said: "Police sources say they suspect >dissident republicans, who have been fairly active in >the North West area throughout this year, are behind >the attack." > >Former SDLP Mayor of Derry Colum Eastwood says he has >no doubts dissident republicans were responsible for >the blast. > >Foyle MP Mark Durkan said those responsible for the >device "have shown complete and utter contempt for the >city". > >"Derry is a city with many challenges and with many >difficulties. But the City of Culture is one of the >opportunities we have. > >"This callous and dangerous act flies in the face of >the efforts made by so many people to improve life >here. Thankfully no-one has been injured but those >graces are no thanks to those who are behind this >attack. > >"They are out to destroy and they don't care if they >injure or kill when they are at it." > >UUP leader Tom Elliott said: "It is shameful that we >continue to have people who are determined to bring >death and destruction to Northern Ireland. Surely its >time that these paramilitaries realised they don't >have support for their actions. > >"While many are attempting to ensure that this >province is a progressive society and working hard to >develop sustainable communities, these terrorists want >to destroy that good work. > >"I say shame on them for their actions," said Mr >Elliott. > >Alliance Policing Board member Trevor Lunn has also >expressed his outrage at the explosion. > >"I am disgusted and appalled at the actions of a small >group of people who wish to see violence like this >return to our streets. > >"This bomb could have injured or killed but those >behind it do not care about the consequences of their >actions. > >"Derry being awarded the City of Culture is an >opportunity to attract more tourists as well as >investment. The people behind this bomb attack >obviously do not want Derry or its economy to use this >opportunity to move forward," added Mr Lunn. > >The City of Culture offices are located in Guildhall >Square, which remains sealed off, yards away from the >Guildhall itself and close to the city's walls. > >"It's a place that would be visited throughout the day >by almost every tourist group that would come to see >the city," said Mark McFadden. > >"This is an office which is a showcase for the city."

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