Apprentice Boys apologise after some members photographed urinating near Derry homes

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hoey said "there was no excuse for it".

"We have had messages from associations across the country saying how disgusted they were about this," Mr Hoey said.

"The governor made it clear last week that if you come to Londonderry, you respect Londonderry and you respect the city.

"We can only unreservedly apologise to the people of Culmore Road – they should not have had to see that."

He stressed that the city "is in the heart and at the heart of our association" and that such actions "not only disrespected the city" but also undermined the purpose of the day itself.

"What was an otherwise successful day, let's say, as it was a double-decker bus, about 40 or 50 people have ruined our image and created a social media storm," he said.

"It simply shouldn't have happened, and it has undermined all the good work that we have done over the past six months and it is unacceptable."

Mr Hoey said the organisation would seek to identify those responsible and "deal with that robustly".

In a post on social media, Sinn Féin assembly member Pádraig Delargy said: "Once again, visiting loyalist bands have shown a disgusting lack of respect for the people of Derry.

"Those organising these events must take responsibility and ensure we don't see a repeat of these scenes and other offensive behaviour."

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the carrying UDA banners and openly urinating in local communities has caused considerable anger and upset.

Mr Durkan said: “Every year Derry opens its doors for the Apprentice Boys march and other cultural events that are important to the unionist community. While the vast majority of people take part in good faith and with positive intent we have seen a small minority creating issues over the past few years.

“These events have for a long time stood as hallmark of tolerance and respect in the North, but it must be reciprocated. Carrying UDA banners and openly urinating in local communities has caused considerable anger and upset.

“Police have a difficult job in managing these situations, but people can’t be allowed to act with impunity. Where offences have taken place they should be investigated and the parade organisers should assist with that. I will be making that clear to the PSNI.”

Aontú representative Emmet Doyle said a 'line must be drawn in the sand' regarding the behaviour of some bands and participants at the annual Derry Day events held by the Apprentice Boys.

He said: "Firstly, we want to be clear, the vast majority of those who attended Derry Day did so without incident, and respected our city. We know from my work previously in Council on this issue that the local Apprentice Boys go out on a limb to ensure facilities such as portable toilets are in place along the procession at their own expense.

"We recognise Derry Day’s significance to many in our communities and across the North. However, year after year, there are those who come here and engage in behaviour that is totally unacceptable, and the patience of many people in the city is now running low."

He added: "A line must be drawn in the sand and we will engage with ABOD respectfully as well as public agencies that have relevant responsibility, but we are clear that a change must be made, and that transparency is key.”