Foyle MP Colum Eastwood says he believes violence in Derry that injured ten police officers was orchestrated by dissident republicans.
Petrol bombs, fireworks, stones and heavy masonry were thrown by republican youths at police lines during several hours of trouble in Nailors Row on Saturday night.
Said the SDLP leader: “This was recreational rioting orchestrated probably by dissident republicans.”
The trouble followed a major police operation in the city surrounding the annual Apprentice Boys’ Relief of Derry parade, which passed off without incident.
Up to 50 young people were involved and some of those taking part in the disorder appeared 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.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Mr Eastwood said he was saddened to see footage of the trouble which appeared to show “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,” he said
“These things don’t happen by accident, I am sure the people orchestrating it were at a very safe distance.”
He said those behind the violence had nothing to offer and described encouraging children to attack police as 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.”
Ten officers were injured during the trouble in Derry
DUP Foyle MLA, Gary Middleton, said his thoughts were with the injured officers.
He said he was concerned at the young age of many of those who took part in the violence.
“It is deeply disappointing and concerning there is another generation of young people being infected with this type of activity,” he said.
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