Destined overwhelmed by arson response

Dozens of people rallied at Destined’s base at the old Foyle Valley Railway museum on Sunday for a community-style ‘meitheal’ to try and get it back up on its feet after the attack on Saturday.

“We at Destined are so overwhelmed by the help given by the community this morning in trying to get the top half of the building cleaned,” said the learning disability charity on Sunday.

“Thank you all so much for giving up your time. It is and always will be very much appreciated,” it added.

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan said the community had been left devastated by the attack on the North West Learning Disability centre which was badly damaged.

“Those responsible wrecked a brand-new kitchen in the café and smashed the windows on the front doors of the building.

“This centre not only provides activities and programmes for young people and adults with learning disabilities, but it also provides vital employment.

“The community are rightly devastated and will rally their support behind Destined,” said the local MLA.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood who took part in the clean-up said he had been “sickened” by the attack.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Michaela Boyle said she was “shocked and saddened” by the incident.

The arson attack was reported early on Saturday.

Police investigating the incident have arrested two boys, aged 13 and 15.