Two bomb blasts hit Londonderry

Two bombs exploded last night in an area of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, that had been evacuated after warnings relayed through telephone calls.

The explosions, assumed to be the work of republican dissident groups, caused no injuries. They took place at a tourist office and a DHSS office in commercial areas. Among those moved to safety were occupants from a residential home who were taken to a hotel.

The city and other locations in Northern Ireland have endured similar attacks sporadically from republican splinter groups opposed to the peace process. Local politicians and others condemned the bombings.