UUP Alderman condemns mortar attack

Mrs Hamilton said that it was "totally unacceptable" that the residents of a nearby old people's home had to be asked to leave their homes while the partly exploded device was dealt with.

She said the attack showed a calous disregard for life an property, and went on to pay tribute to those who came to the aid of the elderly folk allowing them to stay at the community facility until the all clear was given.

"You would have thought that the people who have been conducting these atacks woudl have realised by now that they do not have community support and their actions are futile. It is not acceptable to put vulnerable elderly people out of their beds. Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this mindless attack," she said, adding: "This type of attack belongs in the past and is totally unacceptable."

Meanwhile, the cheif executive of the Western Health Trust, Elaine Way, has commended the prompt actions of social workers and staff during the alert.

"It was a challenging time for the residents and staff of Lavery Fold who had to move for a short period of time to Western Trust's William Street Residential Home.

"The Trust's duty social workers and staff from William Street were quick in making the 23 Fold residents affected feel comfortable and supported. Our staff are committed to caring for their local communities and they should be congratulated for all the hard work they undertook during this period."