Police investigate reports of Ballymagroarty shooting

By Adam Evans

Police are investigating a reported shooting in Derry Londonderry.

Around 10 men in balaclavas were seen in the Ballymagroarty area last night with bats and a firearm.

Several vehicles were damaged but no-one is thought to have been hurt.

Chief Inspector Paul McCracken said: "Just before midnight, it was reported that a group of approximately 10 men wearing balaclavas were seen in the area.  Some of them were carrying bats and one had a firearm. A shot was then fired at a blue Transit van that was parked on the road in a residential area. It was also damaged with some kind of blunt instrument.

"A second, white Transit van and a grey Vauxhall Cavalier car that were parked in the drive of a house were also badly damaged.   The windscreens and a number of windows in both vehicles were smashed in the incident. Two men, two women and a two year old child who were in the property at the time were not injured. 

"We believe that the males involved then left the area on foot.  I would ask anyone who saw what happened or has information about these incidents to get in touch with us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1738 of 2/7/18.

"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."