A bomb exploded outside the City of Culture office in the Northern Ireland city of Londonderry yesterday, but no people were reported injured, police said.

The explosion occurred at 10.45 p.m. (2145 GMT) as police evacuated the area after reportedly receiving a telephone warning. The area around Shipquay Street in the city centre remained closed to pedestrians and motorists.

Dissident republicans, who oppose British rule in Northern Ireland, claimed responsibility for a pipe bomb which exploded at the same location in January. “Thankfully no one has been injured but those graces are no thanks to those who are behind this attack,” local lawmaker Mark Durkan told the BBC. “They are out to destroy and they don’t care if they injure or kill when they are at it.”