Woman, girl hijacked in N Ireland violence

VEHICLES have been were hijacked and petrol bombs thrown in Londonderry in Northern Ireland as tensions rise over a Protestant parade through the Catholic-majority city.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokeswoman said a woman and her daughter were dragged from their car during one hijacking as disorder continued in the city centre.

Four men have been arrested so far.

“A car was set alight in Fahan Street around 5.15pm (Saturday, local time) and a van hijacked on the Lecky Road,” the spokeswoman said.

“Several petrol bombs were thrown at the Memorial Hall and at police Land Rovers.

“A car was hijacked in the Creggan Street area around 6pm. A woman and her daughter were pulled from the vehicle.”

The situation was ongoing in certain central streets, she added.

“Attempts are being made to hijack vehicles in these areas. Drivers, particularly of commercial vehicles, are asked to avoid these areas and remain vigilant.”

The unrest follows mainland Britain’s worst rioting in decades, which started last Saturday in north London but soon spread to other parts of the capital and to cities beyond.

However, disturbances during the annual Protestant marching season are a regular occurrence in Northern Ireland.

As many as 15,000 people and 140 bands were set to turn out for the annual Apprentice Boys parade.

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