On the evening of October 25, 2025, the usually quiet Campion Court area in the Waterside district of Londonderry was thrown into turmoil when police received a report of a suspicious device left at a residential property. What followed was a tense and disruptive security alert that would see residents evacuated, streets cordoned off, and a community left shaken by the threat posed to their safety.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), officers responded to the call shortly after 5:30pm. The device was quickly identified as viable—a technical term meaning it was capable of detonating and causing real harm. The PSNI didn’t mince words about the potential danger, stating the device "posed a serious risk to the community." Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they examined the device, made it safe, and removed it for further forensic examination. Thankfully, disaster was averted. As Detective Inspector Hanbidge put it, "We're thankful it did not detonate before it was discovered."
The discovery prompted immediate action to safeguard residents. Police cordoned off the area around Campion Court, and those living nearby were given the option to evacuate. Recognizing the hardship this would cause, a rest centre was quickly opened at the Hillcrest Community Centre, offering shelter and support to those displaced on what was described as a cold, wet evening. By the following day, the security alert had ended and residents were able to return to their homes, but the sense of relief was mixed with frustration and lingering anxiety.
Throughout the ordeal, police maintained a visible presence in the area, both to reassure the public and to conduct further enquiries. Officers urged the community to remain alert and vigilant. The PSNI’s spokesperson emphasized, "We would ask that the public be vigilant to any suspicious items or behaviour in their area, and report any concerns to us immediately." They also encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, providing the police reference number 1161 25/10/25 and reminding the public that tips could be given anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Local officials were quick to respond, both in practical terms and in their public statements. SDLP Waterside councillor Martin Reilly was among those who voiced his concern and condemnation. He did not shy away from criticizing those responsible for the disruption, stating, "Those responsible for leaving a suspect device at Campion Court have caused inconvenience and worry for residents in this part of the Waterside. We've had families disrupted on a cold, wet evening and the Top of the Hill community want this type of disruption to end." Reilly also expressed gratitude to the staff at Hillcrest Community Centre for opening their doors to affected residents, highlighting the community’s resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
The PSNI, for its part, was keen to acknowledge the patience and cooperation of local residents. Detective Inspector Hanbidge thanked those who endured the evacuation: "A number of local residents had to be evacuated from the area, and we thank them for their patience while this safety operation was carried out." The underlying message was clear: while the threat had been neutralized, the community’s willingness to cooperate was instrumental in ensuring everyone’s safety.
As news of the incident spread, it became clear that the situation in Campion Court was not an isolated event. On the same weekend, police were dealing with a separate security alert in the Meadowbrook area of Craigavon. While details about the Craigavon incident were not immediately available, the parallel alerts underscored the ongoing security challenges facing communities in Northern Ireland, even in 2025.
The disruption in Campion Court serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risks posed by those willing to endanger lives and sow fear. The fact that the device was found in a residential area—where families live, children play, and neighbors look out for one another—heightens the sense of outrage and disbelief. As SDLP councillor Martin Reilly put it, "those who caused the alert are damaging their own community and need to stop." His words echo the sentiments of many who feel that such acts serve no purpose but to traumatize ordinary people and divert vital police resources.
For the PSNI, the incident is yet another example of the importance of community vigilance. Their repeated appeals for information and for residents to report anything suspicious are not just routine protocol; they are a recognition that public awareness and cooperation are crucial in preventing tragedy. The police have assured residents that they will continue to maintain a presence in the area as investigations continue, hoping to reassure a community that has endured more than its fair share of anxiety.
While the device itself was rendered safe, the psychological impact of the alert will likely linger. Residents who spent the night away from their homes, wondering what might have happened, are left with a sense of vulnerability. The swift response by police and the professionalism of the Ammunition Technical Officers undoubtedly prevented a far worse outcome, but the fact remains that someone was willing to put lives at risk.
As the investigation continues, the PSNI has reiterated its call for anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. Information can be provided directly to police on 101, referencing 1161 25/10/25, or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. The hope is that with the community’s help, those responsible can be identified and brought to justice, preventing further incidents and restoring a sense of security to Campion Court and beyond.
In the end, the events of October 25 and 26, 2025, will be remembered not just for the threat they posed, but for the resilience and cooperation shown by the people of Londonderry. The community’s swift response, the dedication of local officials, and the professionalism of the PSNI all played a part in averting tragedy and ensuring that, at least for now, the streets of Campion Court are safe once again.
