The device exploded outside a house in a residential area
Stock image(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
A “device” exploded outside a house in a residential area in a Co Derry town overnight, the PSNI has confirmed.
There was no one in the house at the time of the explosion in the Mullagh Park area of Maghera, police said.
A PSNI spokesperson said a “loud bang” heard in the area was reported to police around midnight on Thursday.
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In a statement, the spokesperson said: “Police are investigating after a device exploded outside a house in the Mullagh Park area of Maghera. A report was made to police around midnight on Thursday night, 7th August, that a ‘loud bang’ was heard in the area.
“A device was discovered on the ground, it had exploded outside a vacant house causing damage to the windows, brickwork and to the wall of a house opposite.”
Sergeant Shields said: “Our officers attended the scene with ammunition technical officers who have taken away the remnants of this device for further examination
“This was a distressing experience for residents who are dealing with the fear of this device in their community.
“Thankfully, no one was in this house at the time as this could have caused serious injury or even worse.”
A police spokesperson said a public safety operation has been in place overnight and this morning. Cordons have now been lifted with local access, however, the public is advised to avoid the area, or use an alternative route, if possible.
The duty sergeant said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 1848 of 07/08/25. ”
The PSNI statement added: “You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”
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