Boy aged nine among children cautioned by PSNI after burning pallets block road

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Three children were detained after masked youths reportedly damaged a bus stop with petrol bombs, threw stones at cars and blocked a road with burning pallets in Derry on Sunday evening, the PSNI said.

The force said it had received reports at around 6pm of disturbances in the Galliagh area, which included items blocking Glengalliagh Road being set alight.

Officers dispersed the crowd and monitored the situation, describing it as “calm” by 7pm.

Three boys aged 9, 12 and 13 were detained, cautioned and taken home to their parents and will be referred to the youth diversion officer.

Chief Inspector Cherith Craig said: “It is really disappointing to see young people involved in this type of behaviour.

“We know it is not reflective of the community of Galliagh and that this type of reckless activity is not supported by the community.

He said footage from the area will be reviewed and officers will conduct follow up enquiries.