A suspect device which sparked a security alert in Derry was a viable pipe bomb, police have said.

A number of homes in the Westland Street area were evacuated and roads were closed as army technical experts examined the device discovered from about 8.45pm on Thursday.

A community centre at Pilot’s Row was opened for residents who needed shelter.

PSNI chief inspector Gordon McCalmont said: “This security alert caused considerable disruption to a large amount of local residents and I would like to thank those people affected for their support and patience while we dealt with this viable device to make the area safe.”

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact detectives at Strand Road police station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1025 of 10/11/16.