Petrol bombs hurled at police and firefighters during fourth night of violence in Derry/Londonderry

By Q Radio News

Petrol bombs have been thrown at police in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry during a fourth night of violence. 

Masonry was also hurled at officers in the Rossdowney Road and Lincoln Court area shortly after 9pm last night. 

The young people involved burned pallets on the road before attacking firefighters. 

A PSNI spokesperson said it was reported youths with petrol bombs and masonry had gathered in the Rossdowney Road/Lincoln Court area where they placed pallets on the road and set them alight. 

“Officers responded, and came under sustained attack,” they added. 

“During the disorder, a digger parked in the area was set alight and, when colleagues from the NIFRS responded, they also came under attack.”

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has reiterated calls for an end to ongoing disturbances and violence in Tullyally and other areas of the city. 

The Foyle MLA said:

“Violence and anti-social behaviour which has taken place over three nights in Tullyally and the Lincoln Courts area must stop now. 

"Reports of main roads being blocked, petrol bombs being thrown and an attempt to enter a nearby nationalist estate with iron bars are deeply concerning. 

“There is no place for this type of activity and residents in nearby estates should not have to live in fear as a result. 

“I would urge community and political leaders and the PSNI to step up and show leadership to put an end to this activity now."

(Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson)

Derry City & Strabane District Commander, Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "It is extremely disappointing that for four consecutive nights we have witnessed scenes of anti-social and criminal behaviour in the Waterside. 

"These reckless attacks are not wanted by anyone and do nothing but cause harm and damage to the local community who we know just want to live in peace. 

"I will again stress young people engaging in this type of criminal behaviour are risking, not only their own safety, but they also face the possibility of a criminal conviction which can have life changing consequences.

“We are appreciative of the efforts of those in helping to de-escalate the disorder this week. 

"Our investigation continues, and I am appealing to parents and guardians, and all those who have influence, to help bring an end to the wanton destruction that we have seen in the Waterside this week. There is absolutely no justification for it and it has to stop."

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call 101, and quote reference 2120 of 01/04/21.