Teenagers Arrested After Car Set Alight, L'Derry

Two teenage boys have been arrested after police responded to a large group of young people congregating in the Shantallow area of L'Derry where a car had been set alight.

Officers were responding to a report of a group of about fifty young people on the Racecourse Road at Greehaw Crescent on Saturday night.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, disorderly behaviour, rioting and resisting police. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of assault on police, attempted criminal damage, disorderly behaviour and resisting police. He was released pending a report to the PPS.

SDLP Shantallow Councillor Brian Tierney said he was called to the area on Saturday night by concerned residents.

"I was there, along with police, fire crew and community representatives," he said. "We tried to calm the situation, and to some degree we did, however, when we pressed the young people about their actions they could not give us an answer as to why they felt the need to cause such a blatant obstruction to some many residents and motorists.

"The residents of this area have been living under these difficult circumstances for quite some time and something has to happen to relieve them of this torment every weekend. I applaud the actions of the Fire and Rescue Service and the PSNI, who showed common sense and restraint in handling the situation, working with councillors and others and helping not to create a more volatile situation.

"In saying that, this sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable. I will continue to work with all key groups in the area to help alleviate the scourge of anti-social behaviour from the Shantallow area. Whilst there were no reports of any injuries, there is always the potential that this sort of behaviour will lead to a serious injury or worse. Something has to give before that happens."

(IT/CD)