Second night of disturbances in north west interface area
PSNI warning after bottles thrown and bins set on fire
Homes in the Fountain Estate interface in Londonderry have been attacked for the second night in a row.
Police were called when bottles were thrown at houses and bins were set alight on the Lecky Road close to the flyover.
The Foyle Bridge was also closed.
Three petrol bombs were thrown into the Fountain area, with one of these igniting and two seized intact.
As police were deployed, 30 petrol bombs were thrown at officers.
Bricks and bottles were also thrown at property in the area, causing what police described as “mindless damage''.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: “Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, but this violent behaviour simply damages our city and cannot be tolerated.
“I would like to express my thanks and admiration to those in the community and my colleagues who worked tirelessly to minimise the impacts of this disorder and indeed bring the situation under control.
“I would also appeal to those in the community to use their influence to help us maintain control of the situation so that we do not have a repeat of this behaviour.
“I would, however, like to reassure the community that we will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible.
“Where this is not practicable at the time, we shall seek to gather evidence to bring those responsible before the courts.
"There will be consequences for those choosing to engage in this type of behaviour.''
The attack comes a week after a similar incident in the Fountain estate.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan hit out at those responsible.
"The destruction and death that could have been caused does not bear thinking about,'' he said.
"These attacks are completely reprehensible and those behind them must be brought to their senses and brought to justice.''
Deputy mayor of Derry, Derek Hussey, described the attacks as pure sectarian hatred''.
"This is a small Protestant community whose very existence is an affront to a section of republicans who will not be content until all Protestants are removed from the west bank of the Foyle,” he said
"This is a stain on the city of Londonderry and must be highlighted far and wide."