Creggan: PSNI chief appeals for calm
It follows an attack on the police patrolling a dissident parade
The chief of police in Londonderry appealed for calm tonight (Monday) as scenes of violence against PSNI during a dissident parade.
Petrol bombs and other missiles were hurled at a police vehicle patrolling the parade in the Creggan area.
Derry City and Strabane area commander, Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard, branded series of incidents "incredibly disheartening".
He said: "As the parade was unnotified, police were in attendance with a proportionate policing operation.
"Sadly, before the parade even started, we observed young people in the vicinity making petrol bombs to throw at police.
"Shortly after the parade commenced, petrol bombs and other objects were thrown at one of our vehicles at the junction of Iniscarn Road and Linsfort Drive.
"This was a senseless and reckless attack on our officers who were in attendance in the area in order to comply with our legal duties.
"As participants at the parade made their way out of the City Cemetery, they removed their paramilitary uniforms under the cover of umbrellas and burnt them.
"Organisers of this parade communicated in advance their desire to have a respectful and dignified event, however, that is not what we witnessed today.
"There can be no place for this type of criminal activity. It is not wanted nor welcomed by the vast majority of people across the city.
"During today's policing operation, we deployed evidence-gathering resources, and obtained footage which will now be reviewed as part of an investigation into potential offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.
"As we head into this evening, we would appeal for calm, and welcome support from those with influence to help prevent any further disorder in the city this evening."