The two women's frightening ordeal began in Nailor's Row, in the cityside area, on Tuesday afternoon.

They had called the police to report damage to their car but when the officers arrived, a gang of youths attacked them with stones.

Police had to take the visitors out of the area in an armoured car for their own safety.

No-one knows what their impression is now, having discovered their car damaged and to be subjected to an horrific attack

Sergeant Robin Young

As policeman drove the hired car out of the area, the back window was smashed by a brick. A police car was also damaged.

Judy O'Connor, told how the youths began to attack her and her daughter, Jackie Maley, as police arrived on the scene.

"I don't know what their intent was or who they were aiming at, but I would imagine it was the police who influenced them," she said.

But she insisted the ordeal had not put them off returning to the city.

"We don't see this as representative of Northern Ireland. We have been overwhelmed with the community's response and very appreciative."

'Horrific attack'

A police spokesman confirmed on Wednesday that the woman had since left the city.

Sergeant Robin Young said such incidents were damaging the city's reputation.

"These people decided to visit the city and see the sights.

"No-one knows what their impression is now, having discovered their car damaged and to be subjected to an horrific attack after they asked for the assistance of the police," he said.

Meanwhile, workers carrying out refurbishments at the Craigavon Bridge in Derry were attacked by stone throwers on Wednesday.

It happened at about 0140 BST when a crowd of people gathered at Foyle Road.

The workmen had to be withdrawn for their own safety.