Petrol bombs thrown at police at Top of the Hill-Irish Street interface in Derry

Police say the situation unfolded shortly after 7.30pm, when fires were lit on roads in the area of Strabane Old Road/Irish Street.

Fireworks were let off, and cans of paint, petrol bombs and glass bottles were thrown at police in attendance. Some of those involved in attacking police had their faces covered, police said.

A large number of people gathered in the area, watching on. Irish Street was closed as officers worked to bring the situation under control.

By 11pm, the area had returned to normal, however, police maintained a presence for a time to ensure no further incidents occurred.

While some police vehicles were damaged, fortunately, there were no injuries reported to police officers, or to members of the public, or properties.

An investigation is underway to identify all those involved.

Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: “Our courageous and dedicated officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the local community.

“Valuable police resources were used to deal with this situation last night, resources which should have been available to help victims of crime. It is completely unacceptable.”

The disorder was branded ‘completely unacceptable’ by SDLP MLA Sineád McLaughlin.

“There can be no justification for attacking police officers or bringing violence and disruption onto our streets. This behaviour puts those involved, police and the wider community at risk,” said the local MLA.

The Derry SDLP representative pointed to the young age of some of those involved in the riotous behaviour, some of whom were handling petrol bombs.

“It is particularly concerning to see young people caught up in this disorder and potentially facing serious consequences as a result.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI,” she said.

The PSNI confirmed on Sunday that there was a fire on the road at the junction of Chapel Road, Strabane Old Road and Irish street and that the road was impassable for a time.

A phalanx of police Land Rovers was placed across Irish Street as youths gathered close to the top of Fountain Hill.

DUP MLA Julie Middleton said: “I know there is a tense atmosphere locally however I want to appeal for calm from everyone.

“It is vital that we uphold the rule of law, and that this law is seen to apply equally to everyone, regardless of their background.”

Mrs. Middleton said she had spoken with the senior Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) leadership in Derry on Sunday in order to express her concerns and to seek assurances.

"I will remain in contact with them over the coming hours and days as this situation develops,” she said.

The incident occurred amid ongoing tension over the Drumcree dispute in Portadown.

Thousands of nationalists – including political representatives from Derry – joined residents of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday to prevent an Orange Order parade making its way through the area.

Efforts to resolve the dispute are ongoing.

The PSNI asked anyone with information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1245 of 27/09/26.

Alternatively, members of the public can submit reports online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/