Bomb alerts cause disruption in Derry and Portstewart

There’s major disruption to shopping and traffic in Derry City Centre this afternoon.
Police in the city are currently dealing with a security alert in The Diamond area of the city centre.
Ferryquay Street, Butcher Street, Bishop Street and Shipquay Street have all been closed and premises there have been evacuated. Police say this is likely to cause major disruption to traffic in the city centre.

Meanwhile, the North West 200 motorcycle races have been suspended as a result of a security alert. The paddock at Portstewart was evacuated after a telephone warning, it’s currently being searched by pollice with dogs.
Race director Mervyn Whyte says it’ a depressing occurance, when so many people had travelled to watch the race. He added ther weekend had been going very well, with both competitors and spectators enjoying the day before this happened.