Politicians condemn disorder after violence erupts in Derry

Local politicians have condemned the recent disorder in Derry.

Violence broke out for a second night on Tuesday in the Nailor's Row area.

A large crowd gathered at Nailor’s Row before some masked youths threw missiles towards police close to an assisted living residential facility for older people.

Police issued an appeal to people to avoid the area during the ongoing incident.

On Monday evening there was disorder in the same area area, where police came under attack with masonry and fireworks used. Three officers were injured, with two officers struck by masonry and one officer struck by a firework.

A 13-year-old and an 18-year-old male were both arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour, and have both since been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the disorder.

The Minister said: “Yet again we have seen disturbing scenes on our streets with the eruption of violence and disorder last night in Derry.  Yet again, the PSNI came under attack and yet again a number of officers were injured.  There is absolutely no place in our society for such disorder and there is absolutely no justification for it.”

The Minister appealed to those involved to consider their actions, which may result in a criminal conviction. 

She said: “Those involved in this disorder will be pursued by the PSNI and will be brought to justice in a court of law.  This could have a serious impact on individuals in terms of employability, international travel and much more. Rioting is never 'recreational': it is serious criminality which places lives at risk and destroys communities.”

“I send my best wishes to those injured officers, and I wish them a speedy recovery.  No one deserves to be attacked for the job they do.  I am committed to introducing stronger legislation to protect police officers and staff as part of my Sentencing Bill which I hope to introduce to the Assembly in the autumn of this year.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said that a second night of disorder in the Nailor’s Row area of Derry put local people in danger, caused unnecessary stress for elderly residents and now threatens to haunt the future of young people who were sucked into violence. 

Mr Eastwood said that it is important that parents in the city sit down with their children and talk about what has happened in Derry over the last two nights and across the North over the last week to explain how getting caught up in disorder can have a lasting impact on their prospects as well as inflicting harm on the community. 

The former SDLP leader said: “For the second night in a row young people put themselves and others in danger around Nailor’s Row. It’s the last thing that anyone in the city wants or needs and it needs to stop before someone is seriously hurt or worse. 

“Elderly people living in nearby Alexander House were left worried and distressed about what was happening around their homes. They don’t want or deserve that. 

“The last thing that any of us wants is for young people in Derry to throw away their futures for a moment of madness. I’m urging parents to sit down with their kids today, talk to them about this and about the violence across the North over the last week. Explain to them the impact that it has on our community, the danger they’re putting themselves in and the serious risk that a criminal conviction will follow and have a lasting impact on their lives. 

“There is a lot of good community work going on to minimise disorder. I know there are first class outreach and engagement workers that are trying to give young people an alternative to this. It’s really important that we invest in those projects and provide people in the city with the tools to divert young people from this kind of future.”

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has appealed for calm following sporadic outbreaks of trouble in both the Waterside and the town over the last week.

The Foyle MLA said: “I condemn those responsible for the recent trouble, including attacks on homes and the police.

“I am appealing for calm and for those involved to stop causing havoc in our community and distress to local residents.

“They will not distract from the progress being made by the vast majority of people in Derry who are working hard to transform our city and build a better future.”

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton also condemned the violence close to the Fountain estate and an elderly resident's home.

"This is a blatant attempt to heighten tensions in an interface area and to draw the PSNI in for attack. These acts of violence serve no purpose other than causing harm to our communities."