Police condemn Derry disorder

The Police Service of Northern Ireland have condemned disorder in Derry on Easter Monday.

An un-notified parade took place from Central Drive to the City Cemetery in Creggan. Police issued warnings from a drone to make participants aware they would be taking part in an un-notified parade. However participants continued to take part in the parade.

Police also reported that petrol bombs were being prepared by young people prior to the parade. It is alleged that petrol bombs were thrown at journalists.

Images online show men marching in paramilitary-style uniforms, with their faces covered.

Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: "It is our assessment these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose. It’s incredibly sad, and really disheartening to see young people, including children, involved in this. Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality is reprehensible."

She also reported: "“A local person’s van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area. The fire has been dealt with by NIFRS and those involved throwing the petrol bombs have dispersed.

“Today’s parade was un-notified and, therefore, an investigation, has commenced into what occurred as well as the other incidents which serve only to damage the local community."

Footage obtained during an evidence gathering operation will now be reviewed as part of an investigation into a breach of the Public Processions Act and offences Under the Terrorism Act 2000."

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “What we saw unfold in Creggan on Easter Monday, in particular the attacks on journalists, was extremely disappointing and completely unnecessary. We are supporting those affected and have commenced an investigation with a view to bringing those responsible to justice.

“What we saw yesterday was an unrepresentative, small minority who remain intent on causing violence and disorder and who will exploit local young people in the process.

“Moving forward, we’ll continue to focus on delivering policing with the community in Creggan.

“We welcome the broad condemnation of these events, and we are grateful for the wide support we’ve had from across the community since yesterday."

Image: User: (WT-shared) Paul. at  wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0>, via Wikimedia Commons