Hoax behind bomb scare at Derry's Foyleside Shopping Centre
Foyleside Shopping Centre in Derry has reopened after it was evacuated due to a security alert.
There were "serious disruption" in the city with hundreds having to leave the centre.
Police said there had been a report of a bomb being placed in the complex on Tuesday, but later in the afternoon announced the incident was a hoax.
Chief Inspector Clive Beatty said: “This alert has resulted in unnecessary fear and disruption to the community and I would like to thank the public and business community for their co-operation and patience as we worked quickly to ensure the centre was safe to reopen.
"At a time when local businesses and services are trying desperately to get back on track, this type of incident only causes further harm to livelihoods.
"I would encourage anyone with information about this hoax to come forward and speak with our detectives.”
The centre's management tweeted that shops had reopened and customers were welcome back.
SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said there had been serious disruption. “Members of the public just going about their day and people trying to earn a living were forced out of the centre as businesses were forced to close their doors," he said.
“Our businesses have been through a hard-enough time over the past few years without being forced to close as a result of a bomb threat.
"While this alert is ongoing these businesses will be losing out on much-needed revenue and it’s another kick in the teeth for people who are trying to keep their heads above water and provide services to people here. “This is the last thing we want to see in our city, this is the second security alert today, following one in the Hawkin Street area on Tuesday morning.
"These incidents achieve nothing other than causing disruption to our communities and I would urge those behind them to cease this type of senseless activity at once. I’d encourage anyone with any information about either alert to come forward to police as soon as possible.”