Violence in Londonderry that involved children as young as 7 and injured 10 police officers was most likely orchestrated by dissident republicans according to the city’s MP.
“This was recreational rioting orchestrated probably by dissident republicans,” SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood said.
Crowds of young people and children threw petrol bombs, fireworks and stones at police lines over several hours in the Nailors Row area on Saturday evening.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Mr Eastwood said he was saddened to see footage of “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.
“These things don’t happen by accident, I am sure the people orchestrating it were at a very safe distance,” he said.
The violence followed a major police operation in the Derry surrounding the annual Apprentice Boys’ Relief of Derry parade, which passed off without incident.
Up to 50 young people were involved, most appearing 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.
Eastwood believes those responsible for encouraging children to attack police are committing acts of 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.”
Democratic Unionist Party assembly member for Foyle, Gary Middleton said he was also concerned by how young many of the boys were.
“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 condemned the violence.
“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.
Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said the violence has impacted the whole community.
“Whoever is behind this needs to explain to the community what the purpose was, what the intent was,” she added.
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.