Petrol bombs thrown at police during dissident parade in Londonderry
Police in Derry say they believe it was a pre-meditated attack and tensions had been deliberately raised beforehand by the parade organisers.
Last updated 2nd Apr 2018
Petrol bombs and rocks have been thrown at PSNI landrovers in Londonderry.
The officers came under attack as an illegal dissident republican parade got underway in the Creggan area of the city.
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.
The parade was not given the go-ahead by the parade's commission and police had appealed to organisers not proceed with it.
Chief Inspector Ivor Morton said: “In relation to today’s event in Derry/Londonderry we attempted to engage with the organisers of the parade over a period of time in a bid to facilitate their event within the law.
"The organisers declined to enter into any discussions with Police on this matter.
"The organisers also stated in the run-up to today’s event they were informed by Police the parade would be stopped and would not be allowed to go ahead.
"This was patently untrue and can only be viewed as an attempt by those behind the parade as a bid to raise tensions in the area.
"It is, therefore, regrettable that in raising those tensions a small number of people saw fit to attack police officers with petrol bombs in what was clearly a pre-meditated attack.
Chief Inspector Morton added there will be consequences for anyone who broke the law:
"Police will review all video footage collected today and will robustly pursue all possible enquiries to identify those involved and bring them before the courts.
“I would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact police at Strand Road station on the 101-non emergency number. Information can also be passed to police through your local representatives, or to your local neighbourhood policing officer. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
There's been widespread condemnation of the events - from both sides of the political divide.
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton has called on the PSNI to investigate the parade.
He said, "This was an unregistered parade and today the scenes coming from the Creggan area have been totally disgraceful. People in paramilitary style uniform is wrong and the continued glorification of terrorism is abhorrent.
"Nobody has a desire to see the violence on display today, except for barbaric thugs intent on endangering life and property. The PSNI were there to protect the community - people who live in fear at displays and parades such as this one today.
"The Police have to be praised for the work they continue to do this weekend, as they uphold the law and thoroughly deal with illegal parades and displays of such a disturbing nature.
"Among those that were involved in hurling petrol bombs were young people. I hope the actions of all involved are investigated and those responsible feel the full weight of the law. The over-riding desire of many is to see events pass off peacefully and without any paramilitary trappings, unfortunately a minority in our communities are intent on creating destruction and fear.
"Again the demands of respect and equality from republicans ring hallow when there is little shown to those who uphold the law and work to keep communities safe. Those involved should not believe they are above the law."
Tensions were already high in Derry ahead of the march after police made nine arrests at a similar event in Lurgan on Saturday.
Six men appeared in court today charged over that parade.
There was a heavy security presence at Lisburn Magistrates' as they appeared in the dock in handcuffs and surrounded by PSNI officers.
They were released on bail, ordered to meet an overnight curfew and will appear again later this month.