Three officers hurt and 13-year-old arrested after police pelted with fireworks and masonry in Derry

Belfast Telegraph

5 hours ago

Officers were pelted with debris and fireworks during the disorder, which broke out shortly after 8pm, close to the city walls.
A crowd had gathered in the Orchard Row area of the city before police were attacked.
The gathering was organised over social media on Monday night.
It's understood that several attempts were made to attack homes in the Fountain Estate before police intervened.
Videos posted to social media show crowds of youths shooting fireworks at officers in riot gear.
In an update this afternoon, police confirmed two arrests have been made.
A spokesperson added: 'A second arrest has been made today, 17 June, by police in Derry/Londonderry in connection with disorder in the Nailors Row area of the city last night, 16 June.
'A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour, and has since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted.'
Derek Moore of the North West Cultural Partnership, which is based in the Fountain, said issues have been ongoing for six to eight weeks.
Meetings have been held with the PSNI, he said, with pressure applied on them and individuals with influence in the Bogside to engage with the young people responsible.
It appears to have continued since April, when two Catholic boys were attacked in the Nelson Drive area of the Waterside.
At the time that sparked what police described as tit-for-tat "sectarian hate crimes", including a paint bomb attack on a mural in the Fountain estate.
Mr Moore said the attacks in recent weeks have been 'low level but constant'.
Youths in the Bogside have gathered a large amount of bonfire material at Meenan Square, a short distance from the Fountain.
They congregate at the site and Mr Moore said this has then led to youths moving towards the Fountain or gathering on the Derry Walls which overlook the Fountain.
The PSNI has been made aware of ongoing incidents but Mr Moore said the police service has been reluctant to act until now.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan condemned the disorder. He said that three police officers were injured after disturbances in the vicinity of the city's walls.
'It's really disheartening that we have seen a number of disturbances in our city in recent days,' he said.
"In this latest incident at Nailor's Row we have seen three police officers injured and my thoughts are with them and I hope they make a quick and full recovery. Police were struck with masonry and fireworks and were lucky to escape even more serious injuries.
'I would urge the people involved in these incidents to stop terrorising their own community. We have seen anti-social behaviour involving young people in this area in the past and those involved are risking a criminal record and their own future in the process.
'I'm also concerned at how social media is being used to promote this activity, turning dangerous incidents into entertainment and encouraging others to join in. As we approach the summer holidays I would encourage parents to make sure they know what their young people are up to and to warn them of the dangers of engaging in this kind of activity.
'Last week we rightly condemned scenes emanating from elsewhere of rioting and the attacking of people and property. The same applies here and now.'
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'We are continuing to engage with local representatives and community groups to address reports of anti-social and criminal behaviour in light of incidents reported in the area recently, which have included criminal damage caused to a vehicle in the area on 27th April, and a report of bottles thrown in the area of Bishop Street on 8th May.
'Our neighbourhood team will continue to engage with relevant partners, focusing patrols where they are needed and taking positive action where they can.
'In the meantime, I encourage the community to continue to report crimes or incidents that impact on their quality of life on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
"I would also remind anyone who engages in anti-social behaviour of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour and urge them to consider the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.'