Eastwood condemns 'senseless behaviour' of those involved in attack of police

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has condemned an attack on police during a security alert in Derry. 

One officer was injured during the incident in the Aileach Road area. 

The security alert was declared a hoax on Saturday. 

Derry security alert ends during which police came under 'sustained attack'

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "I fully condemn the attack on police while responding to a hoax security alert in the Ballymagroarty area last night.

"Nobody wants to see scenes like this in our city, significant disruption was caused to residents living in this area and police came under attack with damage caused to vehicles and one officer left injured. 

“Police officers do a very difficult job in often challenging situations and nobody should have to face attacks of these nature while going about a day’s work. Our thoughts are with the injured officer, who I hope makes a quick recovery, and everyone caught up in this incident. 

“Those behind this alert have no support and need to take a long, hard look at themselves and get off the backs of the local community.

"They are not only putting local residents at risk, but the young people engaging in this behaviour are risking a criminal record and seriously limiting their future prospects.

"People in Derry are sick to the back teeth of incidents like this intruding on their lives. I would urge those engaging in this senseless behaviour to cease once and for all before they cause any more harm to the local community.”