Young teenagers among rioters in the north west say police

By Q Radio News

The PSNI says extremely young teenagers were among a group of 30-40 people - throwing petrol and paint bombs - at police in Derry-Londonderry last night. 

Missiles were launched from the Bogside onto the city walls -  for the second time in just a few days. 

Burning barricades were also set up on Fahan street - as a laser pen was shone - at a PSNI helicopter.

A total of 24 petrol bombs and 6 paint bombs were thrown in the streets in the vicinity of the City Walls, and police patrols came under attack from youths throwing missiles including bricks and bottles.

A small barricade was also erected and burned at Fahan Street.

Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “This is the third night that the people of this city have had to put up with unwanted disorder and destruction. No one wants to see these despicable scenes on our streets.

Some of the those involved in last night’s trouble were extremely young teenagers and I have no doubt that this disorder is being orchestrated by much older people and that these youths are being used to attack police and significant symbolic sites around our City Walls.

I would urge those young people to pull back from this behaviour and I would also ask those with influence within our community to use that influence positively and help dissuade young people from participating in public disorder. It must be made clear to them that they are risking their safety and that of others, as well as running the risk of a criminal conviction which could have a long lasting impact on their future prospects.

We have gathered a significant amount of evidence over recent days and I am confident that arrests will follow. Anyone with information that could assist police can contact us by calling 101."