Police seek car driver in Greysteel bus stoning probe

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police in Limavady investigating a stoning attack on buses in Greysteel on Monday July 13 have renewed their appeal for information. Two buses were damaged in the incident.”

Constable Alison McLaughlin, the investigating officer, said: “We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident and can help us identify the culprits. In particular, we believe that people in a black car saw what happened and may have information that would help us.

“Information can be given on the police non-emergency number, 101, or by calling the Crimestoppers Charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Meanwhile, calls have been made for a police presence in Greysteel ahead of the Apprentice Boys demonstrations next month.

One of the buses attacked in Greysteel on Monday was carrying members of Manorcunningham Lodge and Band, as well as women and children.

The stones are thought to have been thrown from ‘the glen’ area of Greysteel, near a bus stop adjacent to the main road.

The attacks were roundly condemned by local politicians.

Greysteel man and Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Nicholl said: “The stoning of buses returning from the Twelfth demonstrations was wrong and could have caused severe injury or worse especially as children were aboard the bus.

“The people involved in this sectarian attack have nothing to offer society as we attempt to build respect and understanding between the different communities.

“if we are to build understanding political leaders from all sides need to show leadership when faced with acts of sectarianism and hatred.”

DUP Councillor Alan Robinson said: “I have sent a letter to the Chief Constable but I will not be calling for a saturation of police officers.

“I do think that it is absolutely vital that there is a presence there at the most strategic locations. I am sure the police would be aware and have statistics of where the buses are attacked from. Surely having a number of officers in that location would be beneficial, even as a deterrent to those young people.”

TUV Councillor Boyd Douglas said: “This incident must be clearly seen as a vicious assault by Nationalist thugs blinded by bigotry determined to injure members of the Protestant community and damage property.

“These attacks must be stopped before a fatal injury does occur.”

DUP MP Gregory Campbell said: “It has been the practice in recent years for a police presence to be maintained for the short time when the buses pass through the village. That action tended to ensure attacks were less likely. It appears that this did not happen yesterday.”

“I was in Belfast yesterday and I could see the saturation of police with metal girders. I don’t think that is a situation anyone would like to see in Greysteel.

“I do think that it is absolutely vital that there is a presence there at the most strategic locations. I am sure the police would be aware and have statistics of where the buses are attacked from. Surely having a number of officers in that location would be beneficial, even as a deterrent to those young people.”