'Covert listening device in fake rock' discovered in NI allotment after man in dark clothes sighted in area

An object described as a "suspected listening device in a fake rock" has been discovered in an allotment situated near a traditionally nationalist/republican housing estate.
Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 24th Feb 2021, 11:55 BST
Updated 24th Feb 2021, 12:08 BST
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News about the discovery was shared on social media by dissident republican group, Saoradh, on Monday.

"Saoradh members in Derry have been approached by local residents following the discovery of a suspected listening device found in the Creggan area of the city tonight following widespread covert activity by British military intelligence," the group claimed.

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"Reports suggest children witnessed a male figure, in dark clothing place the suspected listening device, disguised as a rock, in community allotments in the Ballymagowan area."

An image of the object discovered in an allotment close to a traditionally nationalist and republican neighbourhood.An image of the object discovered in an allotment close to a traditionally nationalist and republican neighbourhood.
An image of the object discovered in an allotment close to a traditionally nationalist and republican neighbourhood.

A local independent councillor claimed the object was being used to "spy on the community".

“This was obviously there to gather audio information to spy on the community," said Derry City and Strabane District Council councillor, Gary Donnelly.

“There has been a lot of overt and covert activity in the area over the last couple of weeks.

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“It’s my belief that this device was being used for the same purposes," added Colr. Donnelly.

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