Detectives investigating the circumstances of a security alert on Lone Moor Road in Derry at the weekend have made a specific appeal for witnesses. 

At around 8.30pm on Friday night, February 10, a suspicious object was found in the middle of the road close to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Police immediately implemented a public safety operation. Shortly after 2am, and after examination, the object was established as being a hoax device.

President Michael D Higgins and Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris were both in attendance at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Detective Inspector O’Flaherty said: “Lone Moor Road would have been busy on Friday evening with football fans arriving for the Derry City V Shamrock Rovers game.

“If you were on Lone Moor Road, between 6pm and 8.30pm on Friday, and noticed anything suspicious, we’d ask you to get in touch with us.

“We’d also ask drivers travelling on the road between these times and who noticed anything unusual, or out of the ordinary, to call us. In particular, we’d ask drivers who were in the area and have dash cam footage to contact us.

“This incident caused significant disruption for local residents, and for those in attendance at the football match. Your information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could help us identify who is responsible.”

The number to call with information is 101 or submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/