Shots fired at police as Bogside trouble enters fourth night
Sixteen petrol bombs were also thrown at PSNI officers.
Last updated 11th Jul 2018
The PSNI said there was a “blatant bid to murder police officers” after shots were fired at them during a fourth consecutive night of trouble in Londonderry.
The bullets struck the city’s walls and nearby trees but no-one was injured.
In addition, 16 petrol bombs and five paint bombs were also thrown close to the walls.
Chief Inspector Neil Beck condemned those responsible and appealed to community leaders to assist them in bringing the violence to an end.
He also revealed a number of men had been charged in connection with the disorder from previous evenings – with two due to appear in court later.
“For a fourth consecutive night police officers dealt with violence and disorder,” he said.
“Around 16 petrol bombs and five paint bombs were thrown from the Bogside area in what can only be described as a blatant bid to murder police officers, shots were fired at police close to our city’s walls.
“We believe that around six shots were fired striking the walls and nearby trees, however fortunately none of our officers were injured. Police officers should not be targeted under any circumstances and their lives should not be put in danger by simply doing their jobs, attempting to keep people safe.
“I am appealing to those with influence in the area to please assist us in trying to bring this unnecessary and unwanted violence to an end. This isn’t wanted by the community and those involved are urged to cease this activity immediately.
“A number of males have been charged in connection with disorder over previous evenings and two of those are due to appear in court this morning. We have a robust strategy in place to identify those involved in the trouble of recent days and I am confident of further arrests. Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous."
Meanwhile, the Police Federation for Northern Ireland described the shooting as “an act of pure evil”.
PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, said: “Shots fired at our Officers show the clear intent of those who have been orchestrating days of petrol bombing and assaults in Derry/Londonderry.
“The young people used to assault Officers are being callously and coldly used by the dissident republican murder gangs who have murder as their main objective.
“Young people who throw petrol bombs or bricks or bottles need to know there will be consequences for them. As for the gangsters who use them as a shield, they will be pursued relentlessly and every effort will be made to bring them to justice.
“This attack last night was an act of pure evil, and attacks like this have got to stop. We have to see an all-out effort being made to rid communities of these ‘dinosaurs’ and to allow people to get on with their lives.
“Our Officers have been showing great professionalism in recent days in Derry and, again, in Belfast last night. They will continue to do their job to protect and safeguard communities without fear or favour and deserve the support and backing of this entire community.
And the Chair of the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership Alderman Mary Hamilton has condemned the ongoing attacks on the Fountain Estate
She said: “These attacks, shootings and disturbances are not acceptable in our community. The people living in the Fountain Estate and the Bogside have the right to live in peace without fear of attack. Police officers carrying out their duty, protecting our community have now been shot at.
“Young children are being used as pawns by criminal elements and I would appeal to parents to take responsibility for their children to ensure they don’t become caught up in this violence.
“My thoughts are with the residents of the Fountain and Bogside and with our police officers trying to protect our residents at this time. I would urge anyone with information on these incidents to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers immediately."
The leaders of all the main political parties have united to condemn violence and to appeal for calm.
A joint statement on behalf of the leaders said:
“Attacks on the police have been on-going for a number of days alongside other violence including sectarian attacks on houses, petrol bombs thrown at the police, intimidation of contractors, vehicles hi-jacked and attacks on sheltered accommodation.
“The shots fired last night were a clear and obvious attempt to murder police officers. There must be a strong, clear and united voice against those who would engage in such disgraceful violence.
“As a society we must all stand with those who maintain law and order and who protect all sides of our community.
“We condemn any illegal activity and and urge those who are damaging their own community and intimidating their neighbours to stop. We would urge people to work with the Police to bring those involved in criminality to justice.
“We want to see a society where people can live together without the threat of intimidation or violence.
“Those who engage in such tactics must be shown that they will not succeed.”