Masked gang with weapons witnessed as petrol bombs thrown at police in 'absolutely disgraceful' disturbances in Derry
Police in Derry have dealt with disorder in the Waterside on Monday night following reports that between 40 and 50 masked individuals were in the area.
Reports from around 7.30pm stated this group, described as a mix of older and younger people, were heading towards the playing fields in Knockwellan Park, and some had weapons.
Police said they responded quickly and that when they arrived those present dispersed in different directions but stayed in the general area.
Police remained in the area, and a spokesperson said they had been engaging with local community representatives, in order to establish what was happening, and to diffuse the situation.
"Regrettably, petrol bombs were subsequently thrown at police by some of those present. Some also blocked the road, at the junction of Trench Road and Strabane Old Road, using wheelie bins and other items,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
By around 10.30pm calm was restored, and there were no further incidents reported. Police remained in the area conducting high visibility patrols. No officers were injured.
Speaking on Tuesday, Derry City & Strabane Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said: “The disorder last night was absolutely disgraceful. We believe this disorder was orchestrated, which is shameful as many of those involved have been described as young people. They are being used and exploited, and that is reprehensible.
“To the adults that were present last night and involved in the disorder, you are responsible for placing young people involved in danger. Last night there wasn’t just a risk to their safety, but to their future if they end up with a criminal record.
“Last night’s disorder is not welcomed or wanted by any right thinking person, and shows the lack of respect by those involved for the community. It is not reflective of the amazing work that goes on by so many people every single day in communities across the city and District.
“To the local community we know the disorder will have been very unsettling and frightening for many of you, but I want to reassure you will see a heightened and visible police presence in the area.”
SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the incidents have sparked significant concern in the city,
Mr Eastwood said: “The sight of masked individuals armed with weapons gathering in our city is extremely sinister and has caused real concern in the local area. Nobody wants to see scenes like this on our streets and it’s extremely fortunate that nobody was seriously hurt as a result of this disorder.
“I’m extremely concerned at reports that large numbers of young people were involved and that police believe the disorder may have been orchestrated in an interface area. Any young person getting involved in this type of activity is putting their own future at risk, and the adults involved need to take a long hard look at themselves for putting young people and the wider community in danger.
“I condemn the attacks on police and the blocking of roads during this incident, and I welcome the police and community response that helped prevent the situation from escalating further. Anyone with information should come forward to police.”
Supt. Mcildowney urged anyone with information, “including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1488 of 07/09/26”.