Dissident republicans behind Derry trouble, MP says

Violence in Londonderry that injured 10 police officers was most likely orchestrated by dissident republicans, the city’s MP has said.

Petrol bombs, fireworks and stones were thrown by nationalist youths at police lines during several hours of trouble in Nailors Row on Saturday evening.

“This was recreational rioting orchestrated probably by dissident republicans,” Social Democratic and Labour Party leader, Colum Eastwood, said.

The trouble followed a major police operation in the city surrounding the annual Apprentice Boys' Relief of Derry parade, which passed off without incident.

Up to 50 young people were involved and some of those taking part in the disorder appeared to be young boys.

A 46-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour following the trouble and is expected to appear in court in September.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Mr Eastwood said he was saddened to see footage of the trouble which appeared to show “young children with petrol bombs in their hands and attacking police officers”.

“I was also extremely angry at the people who put them in that position," he said

“These things don’t happen by accident, I am sure the people orchestrating it were at a very safe distance.”

He said those behind the violence had nothing to offer and described encouraging children to attack police as child abuse.

“It is absolutely child abuse," he said.

"I don’t think there is any other description that could be used for putting a lethal weapon in a child’s hand and asking them to take on a police force that is heavily armed and heavily protected.

“It is just astonishing that anybody would think that is a good idea or that that serves any cause whatsoever."

Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, said the involvement of children was the saddest thing about the disorder in the city.

Primary school age children, he said, were “being sent out by adults to do their dirty work for them”.

He accused those behind the violence of “taking advantage of children to promote a dead end political agenda”.

Democratic Unionist Party assembly member for Foyle, Gary Middleton, said his thoughts were with the injured officers.

He also voiced concern at the young age of many of those who took part in the violence.

“It is deeply disappointing and concerning there is another generation of young people being infected with this type of activity,” he said.

The city’s Mayor Lillian Seenoi-Barr said it was distressing to see police come under attack.

“The officers who were on our streets on Saturday were there to protect and serve the local community and it’s an absolute disgrace that they were targeted in this way,” she said.

Saturday’s violence broke out near Alexander House, sheltered accommodation that provides support for elderly and vulnerable people.

Gerry Harnett, acting manager of Alexander House, said the residents had been through a frightening experience.

“They all are very traumatised and don’t want it happening again,” he told BBC News NI.

“They just see people with masks on, petrol bombs and they are frightening they are going to get burned in their flats”.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said the violence would have been “very frightening for the residents, never mind the police”.

“Whoever is behind this needs to explain to the community what the purpose was, what the intent was,” she added.

Alexander House resident Eamon Melaugh, 91, said people in the home were scared as they heard the disorder outside but could not see what was going on.

“They were upset by it, you know. This is a home for the elderly and it is a home," he said.

"I’m 91. People who are advanced in years have got a right to expect peace and quiet.

"That’s not too much to ask. It’s a fundamental, natural human right.”

Mr Melaugh said he looked out a far window and viewed a group of young people hurling "rockets" (fireworks) at the police line.

“Those rockets were high powered; they cost a great deal of money each, wherever the money came from”, he told BBC News NI.

“There was some kind of organisational element to it. It just didn’t happen coincidentally."

He said it was "exceptionally saddening" to see such young people involved in the rioting.

“I’m a total complete pacifist and I don’t understand this reverting or resorting to violence for no apparent reason other than to cause disturbance," he said.

On Sunday, Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned both trouble associated with recent anti-immigration protests and the violent clashes in Derry.

In his statement, Mr Boutcher said: "I want to be very clear, this would not be acceptable elsewhere and it is not acceptable here."

He said he would be seeking the maximum sentences against those convicted of attacking police.

"We will not simply stand here and accept this,” Mr Boutcher said.