http://youtu.be/Pv_DcZdud5o

(Video: PoliceServiceNI/YouTube)

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have released footage of a male suspected of placing bombs outside Derry City Council offices last year.

On 20 September last year, a rucksack with a pipe bomb device was found on the river embankment at the rear of the Derry City Council offices by a volunteer from Foyle Search and Rescue. Police and a bomb disposal officer were called in and they discovered a second device, attached to a bicycle that was chained to a railing close by.

At the time, PSNI Area Commender Jon Burrows said he had “no doubt” that the second device, which had a timer, was intended to kill or seriously injure police offices or the army bomb disposal officer who responded to the one found in the rucksack.

Today the PSNI released the footage above, which shows a male with a backpack wheeling a bicycle along the Foyle river walkway and then a short time later walking back in the same direction without either.

Speaking about the incident, Burrows said today that the bike bomb was on a walkway that is frequently used by walkers and joggers and people on their way home from a night out.

“We were lucky that no one was killed or seriously injured,” he said.

Anyone who recognises the individual in the video is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000 ext 64911. Alternatively, anyone who does not want to provide their details can phone the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are also making an appeal in relation to the rucksack and bicycle. They want to hear from anyone who recognises the rucksack or the bicycle. The rucksack is a black Compass model with a blue and red design. The bike is a blue framed Freerider model.

Read: Bomb unit deals with two viable devices at Derry council offices>