Ten Police Service of Northern Ireland officers injured in fresh disorder

Ten Police Service of Northern Ireland officers have been injured in fresh disorder in Londonderry.

A PSNI spokesperson said fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were used to attack police.

Derry City & Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood said one person has been arrested.

"The scenes we witnessed were disgusting, and I want to commend our officers for their professionalism," he said.

"These were difficult conditions for officers from across numerous departments. To see our officers injured as a result of this violence is appalling. It is completely unacceptable.

"To date one arrest has been made, but we can reassure you a robust investigation is underway to bring all those responsible for this violence to justice."

Mr Calderwood called the scenes of disorder "disgraceful and senseless".

"I want to make it clear this violence involved individuals who were intent on attacking police, and who exploited an increased police presence in the city yesterday to do just that," he said.

"We know from the work our officers do on a daily basis that last night's disgraceful and senseless violence will have provoked anger in the local community and wider area.

"The public can be reassured you will see our officers on duty today, continuing to work with communities, and working to keep people safe."

Meanwhile - Secretary of State Hilary Benn has condemned the attack on police during disorder in Londonderry.

Ten officers were injured in the trouble on Saturday, police said.

PSNI said fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were used to attack officers.

Mr Benn posted on X: "I'm appalled at the attacks on police in Derry/Londonderry last night.

"My thanks to the PSNI for working to keep people safe and our thoughts are with the officers who were injured."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood posted on X: "This is disgusting. And putting children in this position is nothing short of child abuse.

"Derry, resolutely, opposes this senseless violence."

Dozens of youths were involved in the disorder, which Derry City & Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood described as "disgusting and senseless".

"I want to commend our officers for their professionalism," he said.

"These were difficult conditions for officers from across numerous departments. To see our officers injured as a result of this violence is appalling. It is completely unacceptable.

"To date, one arrest has been made, but we can reassure you a robust investigation is under way to bring all those responsible for this violence to justice."

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) called on parents to ensure their children are not being caught up in street violence following the incidents.

PFNI chairman Liam Kelly said that what happened on Saturday night was "parental abdication", which he described as "appalling".

"What we saw was PSNI vehicles being petrol bombed by children. Officers absorbed a wave of attacks and followed a methodical approach in how they dealt with the onslaught," Mr Kelly added.

"Children should not be taking part in street disturbances.

"Their parents have a responsibility to keep them safe and away from violent disorder. What I have to ask is where were their parents?

"Why weren't they taking their children away from the flashpoint where they could have been seriously hurt? What we witnessed on Saturday was parental abdication and that is appalling.

"Ten officers were injured in the trouble. They were the focal point of petrol-bombing children and older people and the pawns of faceless criminals who pull the strings from a safe distance.

"I appeal to parents to not let their children get caught up in this mindless violence. They have to realise the consequences when they are apprehended and convicted in the Courts.

"To our colleagues, I say well done for showing such professionalism and patience during hours of being targeted so viciously."

It comes after thousands of people took to the streets of Belfast on Saturday in an anti-racism demonstration.

Separately, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Co Down in the early hours of Saturday, in an incident described by police as racially motivated.

The mosque in Newtownards was attacked at around 1am, with graffiti sprayed on the front door and walls of the building in Greenwell Street.

Police said the petrol bomb did not ignite.

Several protests in Belfast city passed without incident on Friday evening, but police said officers are investigating a number of reports of damage to property and vehicles.

Cars were set alight in Tavanagh Street and Sandhurst Gardens and police said the incidents were being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.

The rear door of a restaurant in Ormeau Road was also kicked, with racial slurs shouted at the workers inside.

Five people were arrested on Friday.

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