Child of nine among three boys detained after petrol bomb disorder in Derry

Three boys aged nine, 12 and 13 were detained after masked youths attacked a bus stop with petrol bombs in Londonderry on Sunday. A separate assault left a youth seriously injured in the city centre.

Three boys detained after petrol bomb attacks in Londonderry

Three boys aged nine, 12 and 13 have been detained by police following reports of masked youths hurling petrol bombs at a bus stop and throwing stones at passing vehicles in Londonderry, BBC News reports.

The disorder broke out on Glengalliagh Road in the Galliagh area at around 18:00 BST on Sunday evening. Officers also responded to reports of burning pallets being used to block the road.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the children were "detained, cautioned and subsequently taken home to their parents". All three are to be referred to the youth diversion officer.

Chief Inspector Cherith Craig described the scenes as a disappointment. "We know it is not reflective of the community of Galliagh, and that this type of reckless activity is not supported by the community," Craig said. Police are reviewing footage as part of their inquiries and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Youth seriously injured in separate Derry city centre assault

In a separate incident on Friday evening, a youth sustained serious injuries after being struck with a bottle in Derry city centre.

Police received reports of two assaults in the Waterloo Place area at approximately 19:50 BST on Friday, after a large number of youths had gathered on nearby Foyle Street. One youth was taken to hospital with injuries described by police as serious but not life-threatening. A second youth was also assaulted but was not injured.

A 33-year-old woman has since been arrested on suspicion of common assault and charged to appear before Londonderry Magistrates' Court next month.

Police have called on anyone who was in the city centre at the time and holds mobile phone or dash cam footage to contact them.

Source: BBC News