49-year-old arrested following attempted hijacking in Derry/Londonderry

by Gráinne Connolly

A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an attempted hijacking in Derry/Londonderry.

It happened in the Ballymagroarty area at around 12.50am this morning.

Police received a report of a man entering the driver's seat of a car, whilst a female and two children were present. 

The suspect attempted to drive the car away but was unable to do so, before proceeding to try and take the handbag from the women sitting in the passenger seat.

However, he fled the scene empty handed and the woman and children were left unharmed.

A short time later police apprehended a man and he was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including attempted hijacking, attempted robbery and in charge of a vehicle when unfit through drink or drugs.

Detective Sergeant Richard Donnell said, "I would appeal to anyone in the area last night at around 12.50am and may have seen the incident to please get in contact with detectives in Strand Road by calling 101 quoting reference number 46 25/4/19.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."