POLICE have come under attack in Derry this afternoon during an illegal dissident republican parade.
Masked youths pelted a PSNI land rover carrying out an evidence gathering operation against those involved in the parade in the Creggan area around 2 pm.
Petrol bombs struck a rear tyre along with the driver’s side of the vehicle.
After coming under sustained attack, the police land rover left the area bearing the blackened scars of the planned attack.
Scores of youths have turned up carrying stones, metal poles and sticks.
The 1916 Easter Rising parade has been organised by Saoradh, the political wing of the New IRA.
Police have said the event, which set off from Central Drive, was un-notified to the Parades Commission and twill automatically commit criminal offences by going ahead.
Last week police chiefs warned that dissidents were intent on causing trouble at the Easter Monday parade.
In a statement this afternoon, the PSNI said: “Our officers have come under attack in Creggan with petrol bombs and other objects thrown at their vehicle while in attendance at an un-notified Easter parade.
“No injuries have been reported at this time.
“We would appeal for calm.”
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