Three Boys, Aged Nine, Detained After Londonderry Petrol Bomb Attacks
Three boys, aged nine, 12, and 13, were detained by police in Londonderry following reports of masked youths throwing petrol bombs at a bus stop and stoning passing vehicles. The incidents occurred in the Glengalliagh Road area on Sunday evening, where police also responded to reports of burning pallets being used to block the road.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that the children were "detained, cautioned, and subsequently taken home to their parents," with referrals made to a youth diversion officer. Chief Inspector Cherith Craig expressed disappointment at the involvement of young people in such behaviour, asserting it does not reflect the wider community in Galliagh.
Police are reviewing footage as part of their investigation and have appealed for public information. This follows a separate incident on Friday evening in Derry city centre, where a youth suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after being attacked with a bottle in the Waterloo Place area. Another youth was assaulted but not injured. A 33-year-old woman has been charged with common assault in connection with the city centre incident and is due to appear in court next month. The PSNI has requested mobile phone or dash cam footage from anyone present during the Friday disturbance.
