The scene in Galliagh last night.Pic by Brian Tierney
POLICE were attacked by a large group of youth on the streets of Gallaigh last night.
Local residents were left terrified after a 50 strong mob of “out of control” hoods went on the rampage.
They destroyed furniture, started a number fires, uprooted road signs and block roads.
The local St Paul’s Primary School was also attack when the youths threw stones and smashed windows.
The mob took to the streets after police had carried out a search at Altcar Park.
Police say officers were targeted with a hail of missiles and the windscreen of one landrover was damaged.
A number of paint bombs were also lobbed at PSNI vehicles.
Local SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said: “The young people within the area came out and went on a wrecking-spree.
“They have attacked a local primary school, they have burnt the column which controls the street lighting. They have ripped traffic islands off the ground and just completely destroyed part of the area.
“This started at about 7 pm last night.
“I think the young people just saw the police in the area and went about completely destroying and wrecking our area.
“There was a large number of young people. It was dark, the street lights were out, and you really couldn’t see what was going on.
“At on stage the PSNI had to let flares up into the to try and light the area up.”
He said residents were left terrified and afraid in their homes.
“We need to come together and make sure this is a one off,” he added.
Police said officers had been dealing with the street trouble on Thursday night.