Police attacked with petrol bombs during 'orchestrated' disorder

The police have been attacked with petrol bombs during trouble involving up to 50 masked people in Londonderry.

A senior officer said the disorder in the Waterside on Monday night was orchestrated and some of those involved had weapons.

Supt Sinead McIldowney described the disturbances in the Knockwellan Park, Trench Road and Strabane Old Road areas as "absolutely disgraceful".

"We believe this disorder was orchestrated, which is shameful as many of those involved have been described as young people," she said.

"They are being used and exploited, and that is reprehensible."

The police said the trouble began around 19:30 BST when a group of "older and younger people", some with weapons, were seen going towards the playing fields in Knockwellan Park.

When police patrols arrived, the crowd dispersed in different directions but stayed in the general area.

The police said officers remained in the area and engaged with local community representatives, to try to establish what was happening and to diffuse the situation.

They then came under attack with petrol bombs and some people blocked the road at the junction of Trench Road and Strabane Old Road, using bins and other items.

Calm was restored at about 22:30 BST, the police said.

McIldowney said: "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."

She said the trouble did not reflect the good work that was being done 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," she said.

The police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood condemned the attack on the police.

He said the sight of masked and armed individuals on the street was "extremely sinister" and caused real concern locally.

"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," the MP said.

"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."