The police in Northern Ireland have confirmed that two bombs were placed at a British Army training base in County Londonderry.

One bomb, containing 80lbs of explosive, partially detonated on Tuesday at the sprawling Magilligan camp as a soldier opened the door of a wooden hut. He was treated for shock.

During a follow-up search, a second bomb of a similar size was discovered nearby. It was dealt with by an army bomb disposal team.

A Royal Ulster Constabulary spokesman said the attack was an attempt by a republican group to injure members of the security forces.

A spokesman for the British Army described the incident as "a cowardly and evil attack".

He said the Magilligan training area, which covers 2,200 acres, was not only used by soldiers but by young cadets, the Territorial Army, civilian rifle clubs and local farmers whose livestock grazed on selected areas.