Petrol bombs thrown at police during disorder in Derry
Police in Derry were targeted with petrol bombs by a group of youths during a period of orchestrated disorder in the Waterside area. Local officials and police have condemned the violence, expressing concern over the exploitation of young people in these incidents.
Why it matters
The incident underscores persistent social tensions and the risk of radicalization or criminal exploitation of youth in interface areas.
Petrol bombs were thrown at police during disorder in Derry last night.
Officers responded after reports that 40-50 mainly youths, some carrying weapons, were converging on playing fields in the Waterside area.
Police arrived and the rival groups dispersed but remained in the area.
Officers worked with community representatives to establish what was going on and to defuse the situation.
Several petrol bombs were thrown at police in the course of the evening and a road was blocked with wheelie bins and other items.
"The disorder last night was absolutely disgraceful. We believe this disorder was orchestrated, which is shameful as many of those involved have been described as young people. They are being used and exploited, and that is reprehensible," said PSNI Superintendent Sinead McIldowney.
"To the adults that were present last night and involved in the disorder, you are responsible for placing young people involved in danger.
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