Published Friday, 20 January 2012
Two explosions rocked the city on Thursday evening.
The first bomb exploded outside the Tourist Information office on Foyle Street at 8.44pm.
The second explosion occurred on Strand Road four minutes later, outside a GP's surgery located yards from a government benefits offices and the headquarters of Derry City Council.
Two telephone bomb warnings were received at 7.33pm and 7.48pm.
Police said residents, including elderly pensioners living in sheltered accommodation in the Bridge Street area, were evacuated before the blasts.
Condemning the attacks, Peter Robinson said: "Last night we witnessed the actions of people who have nothing to offer and seem intent on bringing us back to the bad old days.
They will not succeed. Their actions, in bringing disruption and fear to the local community, are reprehensible.
Peter Robinson
Mr Robinson said he and Martin McGuinness had just returned from an event in London that was aimed at highlighting the year ahead for Northern Ireland.
He said: "With the launch of NI 2012 'Your Time, Our Place' in London on Wednesday we were showcasing all that was good in Northern Ireland and the benefits it has to offer."
Mr McGuinness said: "These are attacks on the people of the city.
"Those responsible must be apprehended quickly and brought before the courts.
"Derry has so much to look forward to in the next couple of years, yet some people seem set on causing mayhem and causing as much disruption as possible.
"The attack on the Tourist Office is a direct attack on the potential brought about through the City of Culture recognition and the upcoming All-Ireland Fleadh bid," he said.
These attacks serve no purpose - theirs is an agenda of the past; ours is of the future. Their actions will be universally condemned.
Martin McGuinness
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Brian Rea also condemned those behind the bomb.
He said: "Today the disruption as the result of these despicable attacks is being felt by people right across the city.
"It is to the credit of the Police Service that, despite a limited warning, officers were able to get residents and businesses safely evacuated from both locations.
"The people behind these attacks simply don't care who they hurt or what damage they cause but the strength of condemnation today shows they have little support and their actions are not wanted," he said.
All roads have been re-opened to traffic, with the exception of Foyle Street between Orchard Street and Foyleside Roundabout.
The Derry City Council offices remained closed to the public and staff on Friday.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.