Driver dragged from vehicle and car set on fire during Londonderry disorder

During disorder in the Galliagh Park area of Derry, a driver was dragged from his vehicle, hit on the head and had his car set on fire on Monday night.

Earlier in the evening, at around 5.50pm, a bus on Upper Galliagh Road had a window damaged after a brick was thrown at it.

Petrol bombs were also thrown towards a bus parked on the grounds of a community centre in Bracken Park.

At around the same time, it was reported there was an attempt by a group of young people to set a van on fire that was parked at a local playschool.

A delivery driver's van was attacked by two masked men in Knockalla Park earlier in the day.

Throughout yesterday evening, bins, tyres and pallets were dragged onto roads in Galliagh and set on fire.

Police say they are investigating and will 'monitor the situation'.

Speaking after the disorder in Galliagh overnight, Derry City and Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: "What we saw unfold in Galliagh from late yesterday through to the early hours of this morning was both disappointing and worrying.

"We saw damage to community property, including attempts to burn a community bus and damage to a local business delivery van. Most seriously, a local man had his vehicle hijacked and set on fire, while he was also assaulted and left badly shaken-up.

"This type of criminal activity is totally unacceptable and should be condemned by all. Attacking and damaging vehicles and properties only serves to damage the community. It is wrong.

"We know these events are not reflective of the community and the people who live there. Nor are they reflective of the majority of young people in Galliagh.

"We will continue to work with community representatives, and monitor the situation over the coming days. We appeal for calm and urge those with influence to use that to ensure there is no repeat of any disorder."

A Department of Communities spokesperson said:

“We can confirm that bonfire material at the Galliagh Linear Park site has been removed yesterday morning for public safety reasons.

“This action is in line with the expressed wishes of the local community - in particular the residents directly affected by the bonfire, and the associated anti-social behaviour - and the advice of partner statutory agencies.

“The Department has taken the decision with care, informed by extensive engagement with community groups, residents and partner organisations.”