A PSNI land rover engulted in flames after it was attacked with a petrol in the Creggan area on Easter Monday
SINN Féin councillor Kevin Campbell has hit out at those responsible for a disturbance in Derry’s Creggan area yesterday during which petrol bombs were thrown at police.
The PSNI say up to seven petrol bombs were thrown along with chunks of masonry at its officers who were monitoring an illegal dissident republican parade on Easter Monday.
Dissidents had calls for its supporters to turn out in force and defy the PSNI, claiming police had banned the parade.
However, the PSNI this was not true and no ban was placed on the parade, which included up to a dozen men dressed in paramilitary clothing.
Police say they will now be reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to identify offenders and bring them to court.
Councillor Campbell said: “Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.
“However, the petrol bomb and stone attacks on the PSNI in Creggan on Easter Monday by masked individuals close to a commemoration were dangerous and disgraceful.
“Thankfully no one has been seriously injured but the police must now bring those responsible before the courts.
“Incidents like these, apart from the risk to life and limb, are in no one’s interests.
“I would caution young people in particular about getting caught up in this sort of behaviour.
“And the community does not want to see incidents like these on the streets of Derry.”
The violence was also condemned by a local DUP politiician.
Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton said: “This was an unregistered parade and the scenes coming from the Creggan area on Easter Monday have been totally disgraceful.
“People in paramilitary-style uniform is wrong and the continued glorification of terrorism is abhorrent.
“Nobody has a desire to see the violence on display today, except for barbaric thugs intent on endangering life and property.
“The PSNI were there to protect the community – people who live in fear at displays and parades such as this one.
“The police have to be praised for the work they continue to do this weekend, as they uphold the law and thoroughly deal with illegal parades and displays of such a disturbing nature.”
