Disorder in Creggan area of Derry condemned as 'clearly unacceptable'

A security alert in the Creggan of Derry on Tuesday evening, during which police came under attack has been condemned.

Footage of the incident has been widespread on social media as video and photo has been shared many times on the likes of Facebook, TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Police say children as young as six were involved in disorder in the Creggan area. 

Petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks were thrown at officers during a security alert in Southway.

It began after police attending a sudden death in nearby Magowan Park found a suspect device, which was later declared an elaborate hoax.

Children as young as six were involved in rioting in Derry, police have said.

Officers were attacked after dealing with a sudden death.

Derry's most senior police officer described the involvement of children as "criminal exploitation". pic.twitter.com/9hvLvrQoos

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Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has said that disorder in Creggan last night only hurts the local community and risks the future of children and young people caught up in it.

SDLP leader Mr. Eastwood said that attacks on the police were unacceptable and has appealed for calm.

He added: “The disorder in Creggan last night is clearly unacceptable. It’s particularly disheartening to hear reports that children may have been involved, risking their own futures for thoughtless attacks on police land rovers.

“People in Derry don’t want this, we all want a future together and at peace with our neighbours. And none of us want to see children throwing opportunities away by getting involved in this.

“I would appeal for calm now. The SDLP will be engaging with local police and the community in Creggan to make sure there is no further escalation in the days ahead.”

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton also spoke on the matter.

He said: “This was a disgraceful attack on police officers who are working on behalf of the entire community to keep us safe. There can be no excuse for such violence and I hope that everyone will point the blame solely towards those who orchestrated and engaged in such shameful behaviour.

“Thankfully there are no reports of injuries but there needs to be a stand taken right across the community in our city against such attacks.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Emma McGinley shares the sentiment about the incident on Tuesday night.

Cllr McGinley said: “Scenes of disorder close in Creggan last night are totally unacceptable, particularly so close to people’s homes and property.

“This reckless activity is not representative of this city and is in stark contrast to the hugely positive work that is being done to continue with the positive transformation of the city.”