Police Investigate Disorder in Derry Following Reports of Petrol Bomb Attacks

Authorities in Northern Ireland are investigating a series of disturbances in Londonderry after three young boys were detained following reports of antisocial behavior in the Galliagh area. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, involved reports of masked youths targeting passing vehicles and infrastructure.

Details of the Sunday Night Disturbance

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that three boys—aged nine, 12, and 13—were detained following reports of trouble in the Glengalliagh Road area. The disturbance, which was reported at approximately 18:00 BST, involved masked youths allegedly throwing stones at passing vehicles and blocking the road with burning pallets. Reports indicated that a bus stop was targeted with petrol bombs.

Following their detention, the children were cautioned and returned to the care of their parents. The PSNI stated that the boys will be referred to a youth diversion officer as part of the ongoing investigative process.

Chief Inspector Cherith Craig expressed concern regarding the involvement of young people in such incidents. “It is really disappointing to see young people involved in this type of behaviour,” Craig stated. She further emphasized that the actions do not reflect the community of Galliagh and noted that such “reckless activity is not supported by the community.”

Separate Assaults Reported in City Centre

The weekend’s unrest in Derry was not limited to the incident in Galliagh. Police are also conducting inquiries into separate assaults that took place in the city centre on Friday evening. According to official reports, police were alerted to disturbances in the Waterloo Place area at approximately 19:50 BST following a large gathering of youths in nearby Foyle Street.

In that incident, one youth was struck by a bottle and required hospital treatment for injuries described by police as serious but not life-threatening. A second youth was assaulted during the same event but did not sustain injuries. A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of common assault in connection with the Friday incident and is scheduled to appear before Londonderry Magistrates’ Court next month.

Community Impact and Police Appeal

The PSNI is currently reviewing footage related to the weekend’s events and has issued an appeal for public assistance. They are urging anyone who may have been in the city centre during the Friday disturbances or who possesses mobile phone or dash cam footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries.

Key Takeaways

• Incident in Galliagh: Three boys aged nine, 12, and 13 were detained after reports of petrol bombs and stones being thrown at vehicles and a bus stop.
• Police Response: The children involved were cautioned and referred to a youth diversion officer.
• City Centre Assaults: A separate incident on Friday resulted in one youth being hospitalized after being struck by a bottle; a 33-year-old woman has been charged.
• Ongoing Investigation: The PSNI is actively seeking witnesses and footage to aid in their investigation into both events.

As the investigation continues, local authorities remain focused on addressing the behavior of those involved while calling for community cooperation to prevent further disorder. Further updates are expected as the legal proceedings for the charged individual and the referrals for the detained youths progress.