Published Saturday, 02 March 2013
Police and army bomb experts were at the scene of both alerts in Derry. (© UTV)
A suspicious object was spotted in the Hollymount Park area of the city shortly after 8am on Saturday.
A number of homes in the area were evacuated while army bomb experts examined the device.
It was described as a "crude viable explosive device" and has been taken away for further examination.
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey said the device had put lives at risk.
"The discovery of a crude and viable device by the PSNI reminds us of those who would recklessly endanger the lives of people in this community.
"It is welcome that the device was intercepted before it could cause any damage or potential loss of life.
"Leaving such a device in a densely populated area is utterly reprehensible and must have been a frightening experience for those who were evacuated from their homes," he added.
Meanwhile police say a security alert in the Gortin Meadows area of the city was a hoax.
A suspicious object was found at a house at around 6.30pm on Friday.
Homes were also evacuated and residents allowed to return at around midnight.
Anyone who noticed any suspicious activity near either of the security alerts has been asked to contact police.