The chief constable has condemned “despicable scenes” of violence across NI which have left 20 officers injured.
They include a policewoman who sustained severe facial injuries and a policeman who suffered a broken leg.
Jon Boutcher promised to keep making arrests as he confirmed half the injuries inflicted upon officers occurred in Derry on Saturday night – and warned anyone taking part in rioting that “we are coming after you” regardless of age.
He said a number of incidents have resulted in officers being hospitalised as he praised the “incredible men and women” who put their lives on the line.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher
“Over the last week we have seen some despicable scenes across Northern Ireland of violence and disorder with one purpose, to scare our communities and incite hatred,” the PSNI chief added.
“All of our communities, that’s everyone across society in Northern Ireland, needs to call out this intimidation and violence. We will not tolerate it.
“I want to commend the incredible men and women of the Police Service of Northern Ireland who repeatedly put themselves in harms way to keep our communities safe.
“We will relentlessly pursue those who carry out these senseless acts of violence. We are incredibly fortunate to have the policing that we do in Northern Ireland but we cannot continue to take that policing for granted.
“These officers have my absolute respect and support. They are outstanding. That support needs to be society wide. It is not acceptable to assault or attack police officers. I will be seeking the maximum sentences against those convicted of such attacks. We will not simply stand here and accept this.”
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It comes after fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were used to attack police in the Nailors Row area of Derry.
The Public Order Dog Unit was deployed during the incident which deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly branded as “appalling” and blamed on sectarianism and anti-PSNI sentiment.
Up to 50 young people were behind the violence which prompted an appeal to parents in the city to know where their children are.
Mr Boutcher made a similar appeal on Sunday.
“To the parents and guardians of young people, please be vigilant. Is a child or young person in your care getting involved in violent acts?” he asked.
“Take action now, please, before we have to.
Trouble has flared in Belfast in recent days
“The last thing we ever want to do is criminalise young people, but where they are found to be involved in the type of disorder seen in Derry/Londonderry last night, we will not hesitate to act.
“Age will not play a factor. They will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Mr Boutcher said it comes a week after a parent was charged with three counts of riot and three counts of child cruelty relating to the disorder elsewhere in NI.
A 15-year-old boy also appeared in court charged with four counts of riot, possession of a petrol bomb and three counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
“We also arrested and charged people for inciting the disorder we have seen, through their on line activity,” Mr Boutcher said.
“I am determined to pursue those involved in the violence and those inciting and encouraging it with every piece of legislation, every resource and every tactic available to me.
“Since the disorder began, a total of 20 PSNI officers have been injured and last night alone 10 officers were injured in Derry/Londonderry. Yet again these incredible officers maintained the highest levels of professionalism in the face of violence, with petrol bombs and masonry being repeatedly hurled at them for a sustained period of time.
“Some of the injuries have resulted in hospitalisation with one female officer sustaining severe facial injuries and another male officer with a broken leg.
“I want to be very clear, this would not be acceptable elsewhere and it is not acceptable here.”
Watch: Cars burn during night of disorder in south Belfast
The top policeman said he has “made clear that the intimidation of our diverse communities will not be tolerated” as he warned “neither will assaults or violence against my police officers”.
“He vowed to continue to release images of anyone being sought in connection to riots as he delivered a message to “the minority who think they can get away with violent hatred” of any kind.
“You can’t, you won’t and we are coming after you,” he warned. “
The PSNI chief also appealed to everyone across all communities here to “continue to publicly and loudly condemn this behaviour”.
“Stand with us in saying, this is not ok and it must stop,” he pleaded.
“These people should not be louder than us.
“We will not allow hatred and mindless violence win.
“That is not the society we want nor will allow. It is at times like this that the future for our society is shaped.
“That future is in our hands, not these thugs.
“Please join me in condemning these acts and support those communities under attack, and the men and women of the PSNI who come to work every day to make a positive difference.
“We must all think about the society we are creating for our young people and the example we are setting for the next generation. It doesn’t have to be like this.”