BREAKING: PSNI attacked with petrol bombs during 'parade' in L'Derry
Police say a number of other missiles were also thrown
Last updated 10th Apr 2023
A PSNI vehicle was pelted with petrol bombs and other objects in the Creggan area of Londonderry today (Monday).
In a statement police said the attack came while "in attendance at an un-noticed Easter parade" in Derry this afternoon.
A number of missiles were thrown.
"No injuries have been reported at this time," the statement continued.
" We would appeal for calm."
The parade, which travelled to the City Cemetery, was led by a number of people in paramilitary-style dress.
Last week senior police warned of the potential of disorder at the event.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the force has received "strong" intelligence that dissidents were planning to launch terror attacks against officers on the bank holiday.
Police had increased security measures in response to the un-notified parade.
There has been wide condemnation from politicians.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill has described the violent scenes as "deplorable".
She said: "Twenty five years on from the Good Friday Agreement this needless street disorder in Derry has no place in our society.
"As political leaders we must stand united appealing to all those concerned to end these attacks and refrain from further threats of violence, whether in Derry or North Down.
"This type of illegal and anti-community activity is deplorable and out of step from wider community and public opinion.
"Our focus is on the future and on the future of our young.
"This society is moving forward and peace and stability will prevail."
Tweeting in response to images of young people throwing petrol bombs, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said: "Absolute wasters. Sent out to riot by men sitting in pubs acting the big lads."
Alliance Party MLA Kellie Armstrong tweeted: "Disgraceful. The actions of some who want to drag NI back to dark days is abhorrent."
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the "senseless violence" is the last thing the people of Derry want to see.
"It was wrong 25 years ago and it is wrong now," he said.
"The saddest part of this spectacle is that young people with no memory or experience of the violence of our past are being manipulated and abused by people with no vision for the future.
"Those whipping our kids into a frenzy and sending them out to attack the police have nothing to offer the people of Derry and this city will continue to reject them."
DUP MLA Gary Middleton tweeted: "Another clearly coordinated attack on the PSNI.
"The parade was illegal from the outset. This reckless behaviour is an attempt to cause harm not only to PSNI officers but to our communities as well. There must be swift action to bring those responsible to justice."
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