Bridge near Claudy significantly damaged following suspected hit-and-run

A bridge in County Derry has suffered significant structural damage following a suspected hit-and-run incident.

The bridge at Longland Road, near Claudy village, was partially demolished last night (Friday, January 23) after it's understood a vehicle collided with it.

This morning the area around the bridge was cordoned off with traffic cones.

The PSNI, who are investigating the incident, say they located a damaged car in the Claudy area yesterday evening however the driver had fled the scene prior to their arrival. 

Police are now appealing for information.

Sergeant McAllister said: “Shortly before 7.15pm, officers were on patrol in the village when they noticed a silver coloured Skoda Octavia revving loudly.

“The vehicle then accelerated onto the Learmount Road, overtaking a number of vehicles. Police followed the car, and observed it make off at speed in the direction of Feeny, where it continued to conduct a number of dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

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“Officers then located the vehicle abandoned in the Killycor Avenue area, off the Glenshane Road, and noted that it had sustained significant damage, including deflated tyres and a broken windscreen.

“Enquiries established that a male dressed in dark coloured clothes had been witnessed running from the vehicle in the direction of Claudy village.

“Enquiries remain ongoing, and we would ask anyone who might have any information which could assist us to get in touch via 101, and quote reference number 1305 of 23/01/26.”