Police urge parents to speak to children after ‘unacceptable’ disorder in Derry

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Police have condemned “reckless” behaviour that saw petrol bombs thrown at officers in Derry overnight.

A senior officer has appealed to parents to speak to their children after the incident in which police vans were slightly damaged, but no injuries were reported.

Police said a crowd of youths gathered at the interface in the Irish Street area of Derry at around 9.45pm on Friday.

Around 15 young people in the area with their faces covered carried a number of flags while a band parade was passing through, a senior officer said.

“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.

“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.”

McIldowney said there would be consequences to those involved, and said it was “unacceptable” that police resources were diverted to deal with the disorder.

“We are continuing to engage with local representatives and the wider community in order to help prevent further instances of this behaviour,” she said.

“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.

“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.”

Those with information are asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1773 01/05/26.

A report can be made on the PSNI website, or through information provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.