Violence Erupts in Londonderry: Police Attacked with Fireworks and Molotov Cocktails
August 12, 2024Violence erupted in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, following a march by unionist Protestants on August 10, 2024.
During the unrest, ten police officers were injured as they were attacked with fireworks and Molotov cocktails.
Derry City & Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood condemned the disorder as 'disgusting and senseless,' praising the professionalism of the officers involved.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that officers faced projectiles including fireworks and petrol bombs during the disturbances.
The unrest lasted several hours and involved around fifty youths attacking police.
A robust investigation is underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence, with one arrest made so far.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn expressed his appallment at the attacks on police and commended the PSNI's efforts to maintain safety.
The PSNI is collaborating with community representatives to prevent further escalation of violence in the area.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood criticized the violence, describing it as 'disgusting' and highlighting the involvement of children in the chaos.
In a separate incident, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, Co Down, which police classified as racially motivated.
Incidents of arson, including cars set ablaze, are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.
Across England, nearly 800 individuals have been arrested for participating in or inciting violence during recent protests.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
Evening Standard • Aug 11, 2024
Ten officers injured as fireworks, petrol bombs thrown during disorder in DerryEvening Standard • Aug 11, 2024
Attack on police officers during Londonderry disorder widely condemnedEvening Standard • Aug 10, 2024
Police injured as petrol bombs and fireworks thrown during disorder in Derry