Missiles thrown at police and members of the public in Derry-Londonderry

By David Young PA

Disorder flared in Londonderry on Monday night as bonfire-builders attacked police and members of the public.

Police said those gathered at the controversial fire site in Derry's Bogside threw rocks and stones at local people before targeting police with petrol bombs and other missiles. There were no reports of any injuries.

The bonfire will be lit on Tuesday night.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: "This violent behaviour simply damages our communities, and cannot be tolerated.

"Tonight will see the lighting of the bonfire and I would appeal to those in the community to use their influence to control the situation so that we do not have a repeat of last night's behaviour.

"I would like to reassure the community that we will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible.

"Where this is not practicable at the time, we shall seek to gather evidence to bring those responsible before the courts. There will be consequences for those choosing to engage in this type of behaviour.

"Local residents do not want this kind of activity on their doorsteps and I would urge those engaged in violence and criminal damage to stay at home."

Traditionally, a bonfire is torched on August 15 in Derry to mark a Catholic feast day celebrating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

In modern times the fire has become a source of contention and associated with anti-social behaviour.

Many residents in the nationalist Bogside are opposed to the fire, which is built by local youths.

Last year, the youths built the bonfire in the middle of a main road, causing significant traffic disruption.

This year the bonfire site has been moved to a nearby grassy bank off Lecky Road, below the city's historic walls.

But tensions remain high, with a group calling itself Bogside Republican Youth threatening to burn down the landmark Free Derry Wall if wood from the bonfire site is removed.

Community representatives have also expressed concern at the prospect of unionist symbols, such as the Union flag, being burnt on Tuesday night's fire.