Police have strongly criticised what they described as “reckless” behaviour after petrol bombs were thrown at officers in Derry overnight.
A senior officer has urged parents to speak with their children following the incident, during which police vehicles were slightly damaged but no injuries were reported, reports Breaking News.
According to police, a group of young people gathered at the interface area on Irish Street in Derry at approximately 9.45pm on Friday.
Around 15 youths, many with their faces covered, were seen carrying flags while a band parade passed through the area, a senior officer said, reports Breaking News.
“The youths initially engaged with police in attendance, however, after leaving the area for a short time they returned armed with paint bombs, heavy masonry and petrol bombs,” Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said.
“A period of disorder ensured as they threw the items at officers – two police vehicles sustained minor damage, reports Breaking News.
“Thankfully, there were no injuries reported to our officers, members of the public, or properties.
“The crowd eventually dispersed – with police remaining in the area for a time in an effort to locate those involved. Calm was restored at around 1am, reports Breaking News.
McIldowney said those involved would face consequences and described it as “unacceptable” that police resources had to be redirected to deal with the situation.
“We are continuing to engage with local representatives and the wider community in order to help prevent further instances of this behaviour,” she said, reports Breaking News.
“We would particularly ask parents and guardians to speak to their children so they know where they area, and that they do not become involved in such reckless behaviour that could lead to someone getting hurt.
“Those who do choose to get involved in such behaviour causing potential destruction to local communities are taking a decision to change their futures potentially forever, reports Breaking News.
“Our enquiries are ongoing today, and there will be consequences to those involved and any further similar behaviour by way of proactive arrests.
“Valuable police resources, that we know should be helping victims of crime, had to be diverted to deal with this disorder. It is completely unacceptable, reports Breaking News.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1773 01/05/26.
Reports can also be made via the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or submitting details online, reports Breaking News.
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