Political representatives condemn spate of hijackings across Derry

The PSNI appealed for information after three vehicles were hijacked in Derry on Tuesday.

The incidents occurred in Creggan, Glenowen and Ballymagroarty.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the reported attacks were against a city mourning the death of John Hume.

"Derry is a city in mourning today. People are trying to show their respect for a man who brought an end to conflict and worked every day of his life to improve the lives of the people of our city.

“The attacks on people and vehicles that have taken place across the city are a violation of Derry’s grief and those responsible have set themselves against our community. It needs to stop now and those responsible must be held accountable.

“I would appeal to anyone with information about any of these attacks to come forward to police and I would appeal to those responsible to reflect on what they’re doing and call an end to it immediately."

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said: "The hijacking and burning of postal and delivery vans by masked individuals across Derry on Monday and today is wrong and I absolutely condemn it.

“This serves no purpose other than destroying people’s livelihoods and causing major disruption to people living in the local community, particularly those waiting on parcels.

“It’s even more disgraceful that these attacks have taken place while the city mourns on the eve of the funeral of John Hume.

“The people of Creggan do not want this type of activity. Those responsible must stop and get off the backs of the community.”

Detective Inspector Michelle Boyd said: “The first incident, in which a van was hijacked, happened in the Rathlin Drive area of Creggan, just before 3.55pm. This vehicle was subsequently found on fire a short distance away.

“At around 4.45pm in a second hijacking a delivery driver was instructed to hand over the keys to his van in the Glenowen Park area.

“Thirty minutes later police received a report of a bus being hijacked at the top of Aileach Road in Ballymagroarty. Initially it was set alight, however the fire was extinguished. Minimal damage was caused to the bus and it has been taken away for forensic examination."

DI Boyd urged witnesses to come forward.

She said: “I am appealing to anyone with information, or who may have captured dash cam footage of any of the incidents, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1196 of 04/08/20.

“A report can also be made using the online reporting form viawww.psni.police.uk/makeareport

“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."