Police in Derry are investigating three assaults in the Waterside area on Sunday night, all being treated as racially-motivated hate crimes.

At around 9pm, a woman was punched and the windscreen of the vehicle she had stopped in was smashed near Dales Corner. Two males are believed to have been involved.

About 20 minutes later, a man walking in the Bond Street/Dales Corner area was confronted by a number of males and struck to the lower body with an iron bar.

At around 9.30pm, a second man was assaulted inside licensed premises in the area. He was chased as he tried to leave but reached safety and got help.

Police said initial enquiries indicate the three incidents may be linked.

Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said there is no place in the city for what she described as shameful behaviour. She said targeted patrols will continue and dedicated resources are investigating the reports. She encouraged anyone affected by hate-motivated crime to contact police.

Police have appealed for anyone with information or footage to call 101, quoting reference 1583 of 08/11/26, or to use the PSNI's online witness appeal form. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.