The Police Federation has urged parents in Londonderry not to let their children get caught up in “mindless violence”, following a night of disorder in the city that left 10 PSNI officers injured.
Fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were used to attack police as disorder broke out in the Nailors Row area last night.
The Public Order Dog Unit was deployed as part of the response.
Up to 50 young people were behind some of the violent scenes.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly branded the violence “appalling” and said it was fuelled by sectarianism and anti-PSNI sentiment.
Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland said officers “absorbed a wave of attacks” and “followed a methodical approach in how they dealt with the onslaught”.
“Children should not be taking part in street disturbances,” he said.
“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.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long commended the officers involved for dealing with the disorder, which she described as “disgraceful, dangerous and senseless”.
“The police are there to serve the whole community and keep people safe. It is completely reprehensible that they are facing such attacks as they carry out their duties,” she said.
“There is absolutely no place in our community for such disorder and those responsible will be pursued and held accountable in our courts.
“It is particularly concerning that, yet again, children and young people are being exploited and abused by being drawn into attacks and rioting, risking their safety and their futures.
“I would urge all involved, including those young people who are being manipulated, to seriously consider the impact of their actions on themselves and their community and walk away from any further disorder.”
At one stage on Saturday night police appealed to parents to “come and bring their children home”. Today, a senior PSNI officer said the scenes were “unacceptable”.
Derry City & Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood said: “The scenes we witnessed were disgusting, and I want to commend our officers for their professionalism.
“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.”
Mr Calderwood said one arrest has been made so far.
“We can reassure you a robust investigation is underway to bring all those responsible for this violence to justice,” he added.
“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.”
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He added: “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.”
Ms Little-Pengelly said the scenes of disorder and violence were “disgraceful and unacceptable”.
“Violent behaviour, either motivated by racism or in this case by sectarianism and anti-PSNI sentiment, is always wrong,” she said on social media platform X.
“I pay tribute to the PSNI officers and to the 10 injured.
“Those involved must also face the full rigour of the law. We must all stand united in support of the PSNI, and in condemning this senseless violence and sectarianism.”
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the disorder was “disgusting”.
He said that “putting children in this position is nothing short of child abuse. Derry, resolutely, opposes this senseless violence.”
Sandra Duffy, a Sinn Féin councillor and former mayor of Derry City and Strabane, said “a small number of young people” were involved in the trouble.
“Ongoing petrol bomb attacks on police at Bishop Street are a disgrace and must stop now,” she said.
“I am also concerned about vulnerable and elderly residents at Alexander House who do not need this activity on their doorstep.”
Ms Duffy urged other young people not to get caught up in the violence “as it could have a negative impact on their future”.
“These futile actions are wrong and they are not representative of this city,” she said.
“They are in stark contrast to the hugely positive work and positive community events taking place across the Bogside this week.”