Elderly Couple Express Relief After Surviving Pipe Bomb Attack

An elderly couple expressed relief that no fatalities occurred following a pipe bomb assault on their residence in Londonderry. Josephine and Liam Cooley, both in their 70s, were in the living room of their Limewood Street home around 19:30 GMT on Monday when they heard a loud noise, followed by a pipe bomb being thrown through their window. Law enforcement officials indicated that the incident might stem from a case of mistaken identity. Mr. Cooley conveyed to BBC News NI, “It could have killed or harmed anybody. Damage can be fixed but if you take somebody’s life it is different.” He added, “There were pieces of shrapnel. It was very frightening, a very reckless thing to have done; they could have killed anybody.” Mrs. Cooley recounted hearing a “bang on the window” before she and her husband observed sparks. She stated, “My husband thought it was gas or something, and we jumped.” She continued, “My son said, ‘Oh God, I think there is shooting’.” Describing the scene, she said, “The blinds broke; we jumped. I ran out the back, and they threw something through the window; sparks were going everywhere. It was just like a nightmare.” Army technical officers subsequently removed the pipe bomb. The couple was unable to stay in their residence overnight due to extensive damage. Mrs. Cooley mentioned that neighbours have been offering support. Police confirmed that investigations into the occurrence are ongoing. Detective Sergeant Mark Gingell stated, “Detectives are investigating the possibility this may have been a case of mistaken identity.” He added, “It is believed that this device was put through the window of the house and has exploded.” Gingell concluded, “This has caused damage to the property but could have led to the occupants being badly injured or even killed.” Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown characterized the attack as utterly irresponsible. He informed BBC News NI, “It serves absolutely no purpose.” He further remarked, “We cannot build a future on the relics of the past.” Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described the incident as “a shocking and distressing attack.” The Social Democratic and Labour Party politician asserted, “There is no excuse for it. The people responsible have caused an immense amount of disruption for this family and the local community.” Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy declared the attack “totally wrong.” She further commented, “There is no place or excuse for this type of activity.” Authorities have issued an appeal for anyone possessing information to come forward. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.