School evacuated due to security alert

A primary school has closed and its pupils evacuated due to a security alert.

Police received a report at about 10:15 BST on Wednesday that a suspicious device had been found on the Trench Road in the Waterside area of Londonderry.

Sacred Heart Primary School has been evacuated as part of the ongoing police operation.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said a public safety operation is under way, with cordons in place at Knockwellan Park.

“We understand the disruption and inconvenience this is causing, in particular for the school community and all parents and residents affected,” Ch Insp Pearce said.

“We want to reassure everyone we are working our way through this situation as quickly as possible and appreciate the co-operation and patience from the school community and the public as we do so.”

Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said it was “appalling” that the school had been forced to evacuate staff and pupils.

He said pupils had been looked after in a nearby community centre, where parents were able to collect them.

“Those behind such reckless actions have caused a great deal of distress, disruption and concern to young children who should have been enjoying a day preparing for their summer break,” Jackson said.

“There is widespread disgust within the community in Top of the Hill who want to see an end to this sort of mindless disruption and fear.”