Petrol bombs thrown at police in Londonderry

More than 30 petrol bombs and missiles were thrown at PSNI officers during a night of violence in Londonderry.

Members of the public and police officers were attacked in the Fountain estate interface and Nailor's Row at around 10pm on Saturday.

Three petrol bombs were thrown into the Fountain area, with one of these igniting and two seized intact.

As police were deployed, 30 petrol bombs were thrown at officers.

Bricks and bottles were also thrown at property in the area, causing what police described as "mindless damage".

Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: "Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, but this violent behaviour simply damages our city and cannot be tolerated.

"I would like to express my thanks and admiration to those in the community and my colleagues who worked tirelessly to minimise the impacts of this disorder and indeed bring the situation under control.

"I would also appeal to those in the community to use their influence to help us maintain control of the situation so that we do not have a repeat of this behaviour.

"I would, however, like to reassure the community that we will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible.

"Where this is not practicable at the time, we shall seek to gather evidence to bring those responsible before the courts.

"There will be consequences for those choosing to engage in this type of behaviour."

The attack comes a week after a similar incident in the Fountain estate.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan hit out at those responsible.

"The destruction and death that could have been caused does not bear thinking about," he said.

"These attacks are completely reprehensible and those behind them must be brought to their senses and brought to justice."

Deputy mayor of Derry, Derek Hussey, described the attacks as "pure sectarian hatred".

"This is a small Protestant community whose very existence is an affront to a section of republicans who will not be content until all Protestants are removed from the west bank of the Foyle," he said.

"Republicans embarked on a campaign of ethnic cleansing of Protestants in the early 1970s and now a new generation seems determined to try to finish the job.

"The scale of this disorder would not be tolerated anywhere else in the United Kingdom or the Republic (of Ireland).

"This is a stain on the city of Londonderry and must be highlighted far and wide."

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