POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have described rioting that took place in Derry overnight as “blatant sectarian violence” and urged those taking part “see sense and think long and hard about their actions”.

The PSNI said 11 people were arrested and a number of officers came under attack over several hours during a second night of disorder in the Nailors Row area of the city. 

They said the violence began from 7.40pm, when multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry, planks of wood and bricks were thrown at police deployed outside Alexander House, where a number of older people reside.

Some 14 officers were injured during the disorder, with some requiring hospital treatment.

Police discharged one baton round during the disturbances, striking a rioter running towards the police line with lit petrol bombs, who has since been arrested.

Calm was restored to the area at around 1am

Eight male teenagers aged between 14 and 17 were arrested, along with three men aged 29, 30 and 47. 

Each of the teenagers and two of the males, aged 29 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour. The 47-year-old was arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting riot.

They all remain in custody at this time.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the scenes witnessed last night “must be condemned in the strongest terms possible”.

This was blatant sectarian violence, plain and simple, and there is absolutely no justification for it in our society.

“These behaviours are criminal plain and simple, we will not accept them and will pursue those responsible with the full force of the law.”

‘There will be consequences’

He paid tribute to the officers who “have put themselves in harm’s way to protect the local community” in Derry, and who continue to display “unwavering professionalism, courage, restraint and resolve”.

Police in Portadown in Co Armagh, following three nights of disorder in Ballymena last week. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

“Those incredible officers made 11 arrests last night and I can promise that we will continue to arrest and prosecute those responsible – there will be consequences to those involved – we will not stand by and allow people to attack our society.”

Boutcher said valuable police resources are having to be diverted to deal with “mindless thuggery” that will have been “terrifying for residents”.

“I am aware of older residents living in the immediate area who were massively traumatised by this disorder,” he said. 

He appealed to all political representatives and anyone with influence in the area “to stand up and condemn and stop this mindless violence”.

Boutcher continued: “I strongly urge anyone who was involved in the rioting and disorder over the last two nights to see sense and think long and hard about their actions, its impact and the consequences for you and you community. It needs to stop now.

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“I will be seeking the strongest custodial sentences for those involved in the recent disorder across Northern Ireland. There is no place for this in society and there must be the harshest consequences.”

The PSNI has released a number of images of individuals who they want to identify and speak to in connection with the ongoing investigation.

They have asked anyone with information about the individuals in the released images or any other details related to the disturbances to come forward.

“Images of those involved will be released so that they can be identified and when convicted of these crimes their images will also be released to the public,” Boutcher added.

“Those who choose to be involved are taking a decision to change their futures. Do not get involved.”

The riots began in Ballymena last Monday after an alleged sexual assault of a girl in the town on 7 June.

Two 14-year-old boys were arrested and appeared in court on 8 June, charged with attempted oral rape. The BBC reports that they spoke in court via a Romanian interpreter and that they deny the charges.

A peaceful protest on the evening of 9 June about the alleged assault was followed by attacks on police and properties housing ethnic minorities. The PSNI described the scenes as “racist thuggery”.