Police in Northern Ireland have recovered a “viable device” following a two-day security alert in Derry.

The alert was issued after dissident republicans warned a bomb been left in the village of Lettershandoney outside Derry city.

The device has been taken away for a technical examination and residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

PSNI Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “I am well aware how frustrating it has been for those people who have had their lives disrupted and I thank them for their patience and understanding.”

“I know from discussions with community representatives over the last few days that the majority of people understand that this level of policing operation was necessary to make sure lives were not at risk,” he said.

“When violent dissident criminals tell us that there is a device in the area we do not take chances.”

He said “conflicting and inaccurate” information provided by those responsible had prolonged the security alert keeping residents from their homes.

“The blame lies squarely with those individuals who seem intent on creating fear and causing harm within our communities,” he said.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to contact police.