Burnt out car in Derry was reported stolen; police probing incident

Officers were yesterday trying to ascertain how the fire started after the burning car at the junction of Eastway and Eastway Gardens was reported.

Sergeant Fell said: “We received the report of a car on fire this morning, just after 4.20am. The car – a black Audi – had previously been reported stolen from the Bligh’s Lane area around 11 p.m (Sunday).

“Police attended, along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). The car has been completely destroyed by the fire. Enquiries are continuing and, at this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Tina Burke said it was not exactly clear what had occurred but the smoking shell of a vehicle was not something the people of Creggan wanted to wake up to on Monday morning.

“The last thing I heard they were still unsure what had happened. Regardless of what happened it’s not the kind of thing we want to see in Creggan. It was lucky. That thoroughfare would normally have loads of people walking to school, thankfully it was mid-term break,” she said.

Colr. Burke thanked Derry City and Strabane District Council for facilitating the removal of the car’s charred remains.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that it received a report of a burnt out car in the Eastway area of Creggan and the vehicle has been removed.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101, quoting reference number 176 of 17/02/20.

“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” said the PSNI.