The Real IRA has been blamed and condemned for a bomb in a bank located in a Derry shopping center in Northern Ireland.

The dissident Republican group has yet to claim responsibility for the explosion.

No one was injured in the blast at the Santander bank in the Diamond shopping area of the city.

Streets and businesses were evacuated after police received reports that three masked men had entered the premises and left a device.

Traffic in the city was severely disrupted as police closed roads after the reports.

Politicians from both sides of the political divide have condemned the attack.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson said: “Those responsible for this bomb have nothing to offer but death and destruction.”

Sinn Fein councilor in the city, Gerry MacLochlainn said: “Thankfully this was a small device and no injuries and no serious damage was caused.

“The people who carried out the attack need to realize that they have been rejected by the republican community and should desist immediately.”

A hoax bombing also caused disruption at the annual North West 200 motor bike races in the nearby town of Portstewart.

The paddocks area at Portstewart was evacuated and racing was delayed for a time after the alert.