Shock and anger after bus attacked in Derry

There is widespread shock and anger in Derry tonight following an horrific attack on bus this evening.

Translink have confirmed that one of its Foyle Metro buses was badly damaged due to stone throwing in the Lecky Road area of the city.

Five windows of the bus were smashed and it is believed the driver of the vehicle sustained several cuts.

A spokesperson for Translink said: “The safety of our customers and staff is always our top priority, and we condemn this reckless act. As a precaution, services in the Creggan area of the city will not operate for the rest of the night.

“We are assisting the PSNI with their investigation, including the use of CCTV, and would encourage anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the police.”

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan described the attack as “despicable” and “moronic”.

He said: “This despicable moronic behaviour endangers lives. The hard-working public servant behind the wheel, any or all of his passengers and any other road users in the vicinity could have been killed or seriously injured. It is sheer luck that they weren't but many will be traumatised by what they've endured.

“This activity also jeopardises a bus route that many people depend on to go about their daily business.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information about who did this to come forward with it and would appeal to those responsible to grow up, reflect on what they've done and never do anything like this again.”

Independent councillor Gary Donnelly called on parents to ensure their children are involved in such incidents.

“The bus contained a number of children and only by luck there were no serious injuries. Driver suffered a number of cuts,” Cllr Donnelly said. “The young people behind this need to realise they could cause seriously injuries or worse. Praise must go to the driver for averting a tragedy and hope those affected make a speedy recovery.

“Other incidents recently have involved young people involved in anti community activity in Durrow Park and throwing missiles at windows of elderly residents in Eastway in Creggan.

“This has had a terrifying effect on vulnerable members of our community and is unacceptable. I would call on parents to ensure their children are not involved in such incidents.

“The attack on the bus will lead to a vital service for the community being withdrawn. I would urge anyone with influence to help prevent these attacks.”

Local Sinn Féin councillor Patricia Logue also condemned the attack in the Bogside this evening.

Cllr Logue said: "I absolutely condemn this senseless attack on a bus in our community this evening.

"This must have been a very traumatic incident for passengers on the bus. My thoughts are with the driver and I hope he has a speedy recovery.

"I would appeal to anyone involved in this behaviour to stop now, and anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI."

Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: “Shortly before 6:25pm, it was reported to police that missiles were thrown at a bus by a number of youths under the flyover. Damage was caused to five windows, including the front window of the bus following the incident. A number of passengers, including two children were on board and although not injured, the passengers and driver were left badly shaken. A number of items had also been set alight on the road which have now been extinguished.

“This was an extremely reckless act that could have resulted in serious injury to those onboard. This vital service will now be unavailable to those who rely on it for travel. This was an attack on the local community and should be condemned by all across the city.

“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident and has any information which could assist to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 1195 26/09/26 or call us on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. “