More arrests as police confirm a total of 20 officers injured in recent disturbances

Police investigating recent disorder said they had made arrests this weekend.

A 26-year old man was arrested in south Belfast on suspicion of offences including rioting, and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 58-year old man was detained in the north of the city on suspicion of intentionally encouraging a riot or assisting.

A 30-year old man was detained in Bangor meanwhile on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting a riot.

At this stage, to date a total of 34 people have been arrested, 25 of whom have been charged. Three have been released on bail to allow for further enquiries, three have been released unconditionally following questioning and three remain in custody.

Later on Sunday afternoon, the PSNI released a statement saying: "Since the disorder began, a total of 20 PSNI officers have been injured and last night alone ten officers were injured in Derry/Londonderry. Yet again these incredible officers maintained the highest levels of professionalism in the face of violence, with petrol bombs and masonry being repeatedly hurled at them for a sustained period of time.

"Some of the injuries have resulted in hospitalisation with one female officer sustaining severe facial injuries and another male officer with a broken leg. I want to be very clear, this would not be acceptable elsewhere and it is not acceptable here. I have made clear that the intimidation of our diverse communities will not be tolerated and neither will assaults or violence against my police officers

“We will continue to release images and for the minority who think they can get away with violent hatred of any kind. You can’t, you won’t and we are coming after you.

“To the parents and guardians of young people, please be vigilant. Is a child or young person in your care getting involved in violent acts? Take action now, please, before we have to.

The last thing we ever want to do is criminalise young people, but where they are found to be involved in the type of disorder seen in Derry/Londonderry last night, we will not hesitate to act. Age will not play a factor. They will be arrested and prosecuted.

“Finally, I am appeal to everyone across our communities in Northern Ireland to continue to publicly and loudly condemn this behaviour. Stand with us in saying, this is not ok and it must stop. These people should not be louder than us.

"We will not allow hatred and mindless violence win. That is not the society we want nor will allow. It is at times like this that the future for our society is shaped. That future is in our hands, not these thugs. Please join me in condemning these acts and support those communities under attack, and the men and women of the PSNI who come to work every day to make a positive difference.

“We must all think about the society we are creating for our young people and the example we are setting for the next generation. It doesn’t have to be like this.”