Londonderry: 11 arrests after another night of disorder during which 14 PSNI officers were injured

A total of 14 PSNI officers were injured last night (Tuesday) in Derry after being attacked with petrol bombs and chunks of masonry.

Eleven arrests were made.

A PSNI spokesperson said the trouble began around 7.40 with multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry, planks of wood and bricks were thrown at officers who were deployed outside Alexander House, where a number of older people reside.

During the course of the disorder, police discharged one baton round, striking a rioter running towards the police line with a lit petrol bombs, who has since been arrested.

Eleven arrests were made - eight male teenagers aged between 14 and 17 and three men aged, 29, 30 and 47 years old.

Each of the teenagers and two of the males, aged 29 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.

The 47-year-old was arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting riot. They all remain in custody.

Commenting on the disorder, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “The scenes we have witnessed last night must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.

"This was blatant sectarian violence, plain and simple, and there is absolutely no justification for it in our society. These behaviours are criminal plain and simple, we will not accept them and will pursue those responsible with the full force of the law.

“Once again our courageous and dedicated officers have put themselves in harm’s way to protect the local community in Derry/Londonderry and I want to pay the highest tribute to every single one of them.

"Fourteen brave officers were injured during the disorder last night, we all owe these officers a huge debt of thanks for what they do, they continue to display unwavering professionalism, courage, restraint and resolve.

"Those incredible officers made 11 arrests last night and I can promise that we will continue to arrest and prosecute those responsible – there will be consequences to those involved – we will not stand by and allow people to attack our society.

"Valuable police resources, that should be helping victims of crime in our communities, are having to be diverted to deal with this mindless thuggery. This behaviour is shameful and will have been terrifying for residents, I am aware of older residents living in the immediate area who were massively traumatised by this disorder."

Meanwhile, there has been a lot of reaction from politicians.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said the disturbances were a "blatant attempt to heighten tensions in an interface area and to draw the PSNI in for attack".

Petrol bombs were thrown at police in the Nailors Row area of the city after disorder broke out for a second evening on Tuesday.

The PSNI said 11 arrests were made following Tuesday's violence and 14 officers were injured.

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: "For the second night in a row young people put themselves and others in danger around Nailor's Row.

"It's the last thing that anyone in the city wants or needs and it needs to stop before someone is seriously hurt or worse.

"Elderly people living in nearby Alexander House were left worried and distressed about what was happening around their homes.

"They don't want or deserve that."

The MP added: "The last thing that any of us wants is for young people in Derry to throw away their futures for a moment of madness.

"I'm urging parents to sit down with their kids today, talk to them about this and about the violence across the North over the last week.

"Explain to them the impact that it has on our community, the danger they're putting themselves in and the serious risk that a criminal conviction will follow and have a lasting impact on their lives.

"There is a lot of good community work going on to minimise disorder.

"I know there are first class outreach and engagement workers that are trying to give young people an alternative to this.

"It's really important that we invest in those projects and provide people in the city with the tools to divert young people from this kind of future."

Sinn Fein MLA Padraig Delargy also appealed for calm in the city.

He said: "I condemn those responsible for the recent trouble, including attacks on homes and the police.

"I am appealing for calm and for those involved to stop causing havoc in our community and distress to local residents.

"They will not distract from the progress being made by the vast majority of people in Derry who are working hard to transform our city and build a better future."

In a social media post, DUP MLA Mr Middleton said: "Another night of violence close to the Fountain estate and an elderly resident's home.

"This is a blatant attempt to heighten tensions in an interface area and to draw the PSNI in for attack.

"These acts of violence serve no purpose other than causing harm to our communities."