Three boys detained after petrol bomb and stone-throwing incidents in Londonderry
Quick Look
- Three boys aged 9, 12, and 13 were detained in Londonderry after masked youths threw petrol bombs and stones at vehicles and a bus stop.
- Police are reviewing footage and appealing for information regarding the Sunday evening incident.
- Separately, a youth was seriously injured in a bottle attack on Friday.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Three boys were detained following reports of masked youths attacking a bus stop with petrol bombs and passing vehicles with stones in Londonderry on Sunday evening. In a separate incident on Friday, a youth was seriously injured in a bottle attack in Derry city centre.
Three boys aged nine, 12 and 13 have been detained after reports of masked youths attacking a bus stop with petrol bombs and passing vehicles with stones.
The trouble flared in the Glengalliagh Road area of Londonderry at around 18:00 BST on Sunday night.
Police responded to reports of masked youths throwing stones at passing vehicles and blocking the road with burning pallets.
The children were "detained, cautioned and subsequently taken home to their parents", the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.
They are to be referred to the youth diversion officer.
"It is really disappointing to see young people involved in this type of behaviour, " Ch Insp Cherith Craig said.
"We know it is not reflective of the community of Galliagh, and that this type of reckless activity is not supported by the community," the senior officer said.
Police will review footage as part of their inquiries and they have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Friday evening, a youth sustained serious injuries after being attacked with a bottle in Derry city centre.
Police said they received reports of two assaults in the Waterloo Place area at about 19:50 BST on Friday after a large number of youths had gathered in nearby Foyle Street.
One youth was struck by a bottle and treated in hospital for injuries which police have described as serious but not life-threatening.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault and has since been charged to appear before Londonderry Magistrates' Court next month.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further information may emerge from the police review of footage.
Possible · Within days
The 33-year-old woman will appear in court next month.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What were the motives behind the attacks?
- Were there any other individuals involved besides the detained boys and the arrested woman?
- What is the current condition of the youth injured in the bottle attack?
- What is the outcome of the youth diversion officer referral?
