Police alert as fires lit on Derry road in second night of protests
Materials have been set alight on a road in Derry during a second night of anti-immigrant protests in the city.
The PSNI have urged people to avoid the Church Brae / Ardmore Road area this evening, amid reports petrol bombs have been thrown in the area.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Motorists are advised to avoid the Ardmore Road at the Church Brae junction of Derry/Londonderry due to items set alight this evening, Wednesday 10th June. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.”
The disturbances come 24 hours after a protest was held in the same area yesterday, with a section of the main road blocked for a time.
Elsewhere across the north some protests turned to extreme violence on Tuesday night, with homes and business targeted and vehicles set alight.
Translink earlier today confirmed all bus and train services would be cancelled this evening after a Glider bus was torched on Tuesday tonight.
Earlier this evening NI Executive Ministers issued a joint statement in which they “collectively and unequivocally condemn the disorder, violence and intimidation we witnessed in our communities last night”.
"Events on the streets here caused significant harm to communities, spread fear and risked innocent lives. No community benefits from these actions.
"The incident in north Belfast on Monday was deeply shocking. While we understand the strength of feeling about what happened, it is now subject to legal proceedings, and justice must be allowed to run its course.
"Everyone has the right to protest peacefully. What we witnessed last night went far beyond that. Sadly, there are those intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect. They are weaponising the genuine hurt, concern and anger that people are feeling for their own misguided purposes.
"Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur. There can be no justification for attacking homes, burning family cars, damaging businesses, and damaging our public transport and our roads. It furthers no cause and benefits no one.
"The eyes of the world are watching us this week and the actions we take, as individuals and as a society, will shape how we are viewed and how our communities move forward.
"Our thoughts are with all those who have been directly affected by the violence and disorder of recent days. We also commend the professionalism, bravery and dedication of our police and emergency services in responding to the disorder last night to protect the public and keep people safe. Our minority ethnic communities are a valued part of our society, many of whom are vital to our health and public services and our economy.
"As an Executive, we remain united in our commitment to building a safe, prosperous and welcoming Northern Ireland for all.
"We also continue to appeal for calm and urge everyone to reject violence, reject division and allow the rule of law to prevail.”