Galliagh: police probe second night of trouble

Cars were targeted by stone throwers and a vehicle set on fire

Another night of trouble in the Galliagh area of Londonderry
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 9th Aug 2023

Police are investigating another night of incidents in Londonderry.

These include reports of shots being fired and a car hijacked and set on fire in the Galliagh area of Derry..

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Shots are reported to have been fired in Glengalliagh Park sometime between midnight last night, and 1am this morning Wednesday 9th August.

"Other incidents included reports of cars being stoned on Moss Road in Shantallow, a fence being set on fire in Glendale Park, and criminal damage to a bus in the vicinity of Slievemore Roundabout.

"At 11pm, it was reported a man had his car hijacked at the traffic lights on College Glen. Two men are reported to have approached the vehicle, one of them opened the door and the man was assaulted, and the car driven off. It's believed the car was then set on fire on the green in Galliagh."

Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard branded the incidents "serious and sinister".

"For a second night, we saw damage caused to property and the community," he said.

"A bus was damaged, a car hijacked and the driver assaulted, and a home targeted with a fence set on fire, which could easily have spread to neighbouring properties.

"These are all serious and sinister incidents, which serve only to cause fear and distress in the community, and trauma to the people directly impacted.

"A report of shots has been made, and we are aware of video footage that has been circulated and posted online in relation to this. Enquiries into this report, and all the incidents reported to us last night, are ongoing.

"We appeal to anyone with information about any of these incidents, or captured footage of them, to get in touch with us on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with community representatives in the area and appeal to those with influence to use that to ensure no further disorder."