"Joyriders" torch car in Shantallow

by Gráinne Connolly

Fire Services attended a car fire in the Old School Lane area of Shantallow, Derry-Londonderry yesterday at 8.13pm. 

According to Councillor Sandra Duffy and local residents, it was caused by a group of young people who drove the car around, before setting it alight. 

The Councillor has slammed those responsible: 

“Once again the people of this area have to put up with this very dangerous criminal activity.

"Local residents have told me those responsible were aged in their mid teens and made off in the direction of Curragh Walk and Carrabane Walk.

"I would appeal if anyone in the community knows who these culprits’ are to bring their names forward so they can be brought before the courts."

Meanwhile, Cathal McCauley, a local resident took to social media last night to express his concern and anger at the "joyriders/death-drivers" as he calls them. 

He said: 

"Joyriders/Death-drivers at it in Shantallow tonight.

"4 young boys, about 15-17 yr olds were seen setting the car alight and running off in the direction of Curragh Wk/Carranbane wk. 

"Any info please pass on to us or the authorities - these are not some wains throwing snowballs or messing about - this is criminal behaviour and we dont want them getting away with it - there were loads of wains getting out of youth club and could easily have been caught up in this.

"By the way, excellent response from the emergency services. PSNI Neighbourhood Team on the spot immediately, fire service shortly behind them, put the fire out and the car is already removed. Well done."