5 arrested following petrol bomb attack in Londonderry

The incident occurred during an illegal dissident republican parade in Creggan on Easter Monday.

Press Eye
Author: Sasha WyliePublished 4th Apr 2018
Last updated 4th Apr 2018

Five men have been arrested following a petrol bomb attack on officers in Londonderry.

The incident occurred during an illegal dissident republican parade in Creggan on Easter Monday.

The men, aged 29, 31, 42, 45 and 50 were arrested following seaches in Chamberlain Street earlier today.

Police say more action will be taken in the coming days.

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Chief Inspector Paul McCracken said: "Immediately after the parade and the attack on local police officers on Monday, we had said that robust action would be taken against those who orchestrated the violence and those who participated.

These searches and arrests are the first phase of that action and more will follow in coming days. Those who seek to attack police and bring violence onto the streets can expect to be held accountable for their actions.

Masked men wearing paramilitary uniforms led the procession to the republican plot at the City Cemetary where the 1916 Easter Rising proclamation was read out.

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The parade was not given the go-ahead by the parade's commission and police had appealed to organisers not proceed with it.

Tensions were already high in Derry ahead of the march after police made nine arrests at a similar event in Lurgan on Saturday.