Call for calm after rise in sectarian tensions following weekend incidents in Derry

There have calls for calm in Derry following a number of weekend incidents in the Waterside area of Derry.

Video footage circulating on social media appears to show two boys being set upon by a gang of youths. One is seen being punched and kicked as he’s sitting down while another is repeatedly pounded with a garden table as he lies on the ground.

In a separate incident, footage shows a bus carrying a number of passengers from a football tournament being attacked in the Gobnascale area.

A mural in the Fountain area was also defaced over the weekend.

The incidents have been condemned by both nationalist and unionist politicians in the city.

Sinn Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson has called for calm after a sectarian attack in Nelson Drive led to a number of disturbances in the Waterside area over the weekend.

Cllr Jackson commented: “The sectarian attack in which two young men were viciously beaten in the Nelson Drive area on Saturday night was appalling and I would urge anyone with information about who was responsible to bring it forward.

“There can be no place for sectarianism and such attacks in this society but neither can there be any justification for the subsequent disturbances which took place throughout the wider Top of the Hill area on Sunday.

“The people of this community do not want further violence or for any more young people to be caught up in such incidents.

“Now is the time for calm and to allow the proper authorities to get on with their job of bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.”

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: “Sickened by what I've seen circulating on social media – two young fellas being set upon by a gang in a savage attack.

“It's being reported that this was a sectarian attack and has the potential to light the fuse on a situation that has been simmering in the Waterside for some time.

“It is important that peace prevails and no retaliation is sought. Inevitably innocent people will get hurt or even worse – as I watched the video I could not help but think of my old schoolmate Paul McCauley, who died as the result of a sectarian attack in the Waterside nearly 20 years ago.

"I hope the two boys who were attacked make a swift recovery from their physical injuries and the undoubted psychological impact that such trauma can bring.

"Anyone with information about the attack should bring it to the police and those responsible must be apprehended."

Posting on social media, independent councillor Gary Donnelly said: “Sickening scenes appear to show two young boys being brutally beaten by a number of others in what is claimed to be a sectarian attack. I hope those attacked make a full recovery.

“This will inevitably cause anger and I would appeal for calm and not to respond with any form of sectarianism.

“Attacks on anyone because of their perceived religious affiliation is completely wrong.”

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: "It has been a deeply disturbing weekend of intimidation and attacks in Londonderry.

"I have been speaking with parents of some of the young people who had their bus attacked in the Waterside. A traumatising attack, that has triggered the worst of memories amongst many in the community of difficult times that we thought we were past.

"The residents of the Fountain Estate have once again been made to feel terrified and vulnerable with yet another attack and missile thrown.

"I am aware of a concerning video circulating on social media showing a violent attack on two individuals. I have also spoken to the PSNI in relation to this incident and as of this morning, the victims had not come forward.

"I have spoken with the PSNI and the many who have contacted me on all these issues. As with previous incidents I strongly condemn any acts of violence and intimidation. Any one with any information must now come forward to the PSNI to help bring perpetrators to justice. Our children and young people deserve better, as we all do.

"I would urge calm responses in the coming days as it is important that we do not rush to judgement without full facts. I therefore would ask that across our city parents know where your children are, and guide them to step away from hatred, sectarianism and thuggery, we as a community have been through too much."

Deputy Mayor of Derry, UUP Alderman Darren Guy said: "Sadly, over the weekend we have witnessed two young Catholic males being viscously attacked in the Nelson Drive area on Saturday evening. Then what seems to be in retaliation, a bus carrying kids from Protestant, Catholic and Ethnic backgrounds who were returning from a cross-community football tournament in Omagh, was attacked by an extremely large group in the Gobnascale area of the Waterside, breaking four windows on the bus. A few kids suffered cuts from broken glass, and many of them were in complete panic and fear from the incident.

"Both these incidents are sickening and abhorrent. Worryingly, in 2025 we are witnessing an increase in sectarian tensions across the city and misinformation on social media is inflaming the situation. 

"Murals on both sides have been defaced, and memorials vandalised.

"The Fountain estate has seen almost daily attacks in one form or another for over a week now.

"I would call on all youths from both communities to desist in any further tit for tat incidents before someone is seriously injured or worse. Your community does not want this.

"The upsurge in use of social media, through Tik Tok and other platforms were both Catholic and Protestant youths goad each other into doing something more outrageous, than the last needs to stop. This is widespread and parents need to be asking their kids what social media sites they are using and monitor what the content is they are viewing.

"I would urge anyone with any information of the incidents witnessed over the weekend to contact local community reps and the PSNI to help settle tensions across the city."