The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has led condemnation of a threat issued against his party’s Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin.
Ms McLaughlin and her staff were forced to evacuate their office at Spencer Road in Derry on Thursday afternoon after being informed by police of reports that a bomb was left at the premises.
Police searched the building and later confirmed that nothing untoward was found.
Mr Eastwood said: “This threat against SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin is a despicable attempt to intimidate and stop a tireless public representative from doing their job.
“I know Sinéad will not be deterred and my thoughts are with her and her constituency team after what must have been a frightening experience. The entire SDLP stands fully behind them in solidarity.
“Elected representatives should be able to go about their duties without having to worry about threats being issued against them. We’ve seen recently in England how the targeting of politicians can end up with tragic consequences.
“Sinéad McLaughlin serves the people of Derry and neither she nor her staff should have been subjected to this ordeal."
Ms McLaughlin added: “This incident has been very upsetting for my staff who come to work every day to help the people of this community with everything from passport applications to PIP appeals.
“Nobody should have to face this kind of threat when simply going about their job.
“While it’s deeply unpleasant to be subjected to this, nothing will stop me from going about my work on behalf of the people of Derry.
“Whether in my career, as a councillor or an MLA I have often faced barriers, but I have always overcome them and it will take more than the efforts of a few idiotic thugs to stop me from working to represent and improve the lives of people here."
Politicians from other parties took to social media on Thursday night to express their solidarity with Ms McLaughlin and her staff.
Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw tweeted: "Appalled by the threat to @SMcLaughlinmla and her staff.
"Sinéad and her team have brought dedication and expertise to the Assembly, and are a privilege to work with. They are all very much in my and our thoughts this evening."
UUP South Antrim MLA Steve Aiken added: "I join in the condemnation of threats against @SMcLaughlinmla and her staff - intimidation of elected representatives & their support staff undermines democracy & damages the community MLA’s represent."
The DUP’s Gary Middleton wrote: “Disgusted to hear of the bomb threat at @SMcLaughlinmla constituency office today. My thoughts are with Sinead and her office staff who have been subjected to this disgraceful threat. There’s no place for this behaviour in our society. Shame on whoever is behind it.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The security alert at the Spencer Road area of Derry/Londonderry is now over. Officers attended and nothing untoward was found.
"We would advise anybody who sees anything suspicious to contact police on 101."
