The Minister for Foreign Affairs has expressed his “shock and deep dismay” after a bomb exploded outside the house of a PSNI officer in Derry.

No-one was injured when the device detonated in the driveway of the officer's home in the Culmore area of the city.

An army disposal robot was approaching the device when it exploded.

It is believed the bomb was planted on the underside of the officer’s car before it fell off in the driveway.

“I was shocked and appalled to hear that a bomb exploded on a street in Derry today and has now forced twelve families to leave their homes tonight,” said Minister Flanagan.

"This was a reckless and criminal attack, which put an entire street in danger.  There is no excuse, no justification, for such irresponsible criminality.

"I am thankful that no one was hurt today. My thoughts are with all those affected, in particular the PSNI officer and his family.

Derry City and Strabane PSNI District Commander Superintendent Gordon McCalmont blamed dissident republicans for the attack.

“This attack demonstrates a clear intent by violent dissident republicans to kill a police officer and in doing so they show no regard for the safety of the wider community,” he said.

“We are extremely thankful that no one was hurt here today and recognise that the vast majority of people are supportive of their local police.”

“I firmly believe that we all have a responsibility to ensure a safe and prosperous future for our families and would ask that anyone with information about this incident contact us.”

A separate security alert in Sion Mills in Strabane has now ended and Army Technical Officers have removed a suspicious object for further examination.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Brian Reid said: “I would like to thank the public today for their patience during the security alert and would appeal for anyone with information to contact police in Strabane on 101.”