We can confirm that an incident took place at Magilligan military training centre late this morning

Army spokesman

His condition is described as critical in the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.

The Army confirmed the man is an employee of the Ministry of Defence.

An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm that an incident took place at Magilligan military training centre late this morning.

"One person has been injured but we have got no further details at this point."

East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell of the Democratic Unionist Party, said he believed the explosion was the work of "republican terrorists".

It's the latest in a long line of incidents in this area

Gregory Campbell, East Londonderry MP

"It may not necessarily have been planted last night," he said.

"This is very open territory and it could have been planted some time ago."

He said the attack was evidence that security bases should not be closed down in Northern Ireland.

He added: "It's the latest in a long line of incidents in this area. There have been attacks on Ballykelly army base, Ebrington army base and Claudy police station.

"We have to hope and pray that the person who has been injured fully recovers."