Vandals were intent on ‘confrontation’ with police - Derry PSNI chief

District Commander Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said police had agreed to create a space for community and youth workers to engage with the gangs of young people, who descended on Galliagh on Friday and went on the rampage.

He was responding after some concerns were raised that local people were left to deal with the culprits themselves.

The daughter of one 80-year-old man whose car was torched during the vandalism spree said that, along with a group of other women she had to confront the young people responsible, and said that it took police over 13 hours to make contact with her father.

Selena Doherty-McFeely said her father, whom she described as an “amazing man”, was left in a state of shock when his car and another resident’s vehicle were set ablaze at Ederowen Park by some of the youths who gathered from across the city.

Selena, who was on the scene on Friday night after being contacted about her father’s vehicle, told the ‘Journal’: “My daddy wasn’t protected. I can’t believe it took police over 13 hours. The police were up the top of the streets at 9.07pm- they were there, they knew what happened. We actually had to ring them then the next day to come out and get a reference number. That’s not my job.

“I think there has to be lessons learnt here. Obviously this was orchestrated because they wanted to bring them into the area, but these people were 12 and 14. We don’t live in Beirut, we live in Galliagh.”

Responding to those comments, Chief Supt. Jones said: “The disruption and criminality that took place on Friday evening was unacceptable and I believe the community have made clear their anger and frustration at those who instigated the disorder.

“Our officers were in the community from early on in the day engaging with residents and local representatives. It was clear that those involved were seeking to draw police into a confrontation.

“While Neighbourhood officers remained in the area, it was agreed that space would be provided to allow youth workers and community leaders the opportunity to engage with those involved and disperse the crowds.

“This community led intervention ensured that the violence did not escalate further,” he added.

Police said they are in contact with those affected by the attacks in Galliagh on Friday night.

Chief Superintendent Jones said: “The destruction of anyone’s property is a crime and a disgrace.” He also confirmed that footage from evidence gathering cameras will be reviewed and “all efforts will be made to identify those involved in this completely unacceptable behaviour”.

Selena Doherty-McFeely, whose father’s car was torched, said she and another couple of women confronted the youths. “We said, ‘boys, what you have done is wrong’; I said, ‘if that was your grandparents, your mother, it’s not right what you’re doing and there’s no reason for it’, and they said back ‘Sorry missus, sorry missus’. They wanted a riot. We dealt with them in our own way, the police didn’t.

“We live in a great city, an amazing place with great people and there’s no reason for people doing what they are doing down there.”

Selena said her father has been heartened by the outpouring of support from local people since the events of Friday night. “I can’t believe how amazing the community were,” she said.

A few hours earlier on Friday evening a short distance away at Fairview Road, a delivery driver had a narrow escape when youths attempted to hijack the van he was driving and then threw a petrol bomb at it. Residents managed to put out the blaze. Fireworks and a petrol bomb were thrown at the entrance to the Spar shop, forcing it to close. The youths also hurled fireworks and masonry at police.

Distressed and angered residents and community activists have subsequently been gathering to patrol the area at night.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Aileen Mellon said : “There is neither an excuse nor place for this behaviour on our streets. Everyone has the opportunity to become part of the community and contribute to the solution to the needs of the residents instead of this mindless destruction and intimidation.”

Chief Supt. Jones said: “I would ask that anyone with information contact 101 or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”