POLICE IN DERRY had over 25 petrol bombs, rocks and other debris thrown at them in the third night of disorder in the city.

Three people were injured in the violence – a woman and two male police officers – in the city’s Bogside overnight. Three people have been arrested.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with disorderly behaviour, assault on police, resisting police and possessing offensive weapon in a public place. He is expected to appear before Londonderry Magistrates Court later this morning.

Two men, a 20-year-old and a 50-year-old were also arrested last night. Both remain in police custody at this time.

A woman was injured after she was struck on the head with a stone and two officers were injured after they were struck with bricks. A car was set on fire during the early hours of this morning and the Leckey Road was closed for a period of time after pallets were placed across the road and set on fire.

Speaking about last night’s disorder and the ongoing issues in the City, Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said:

“We are disappointed that some people decided to continue the public disorder in the Bogside last night, despite the clear message from the community earlier.

“This morning, following the disorder in the Bogside area of the City last night, we have two officers and a member of the public injured. I am very proud of how my colleagues stood in the face of danger, working to bring this situation under control but I am saddened and angry that again we find ourselves subject to serious violence from the communities we serve. Let me be clear, we have made three arrests last night and with a robust criminal justice strategy in place, there will be more.

“The local community needs to see a resolution to this issue now. Collectively, we cannot afford to wait and we cannot have night after night of violence on our streets. Following three nights of disorder, we have a number of police officers who are no longer available to deliver their core policing duties, protecting the communities they serve.

“And the huge impact on our City cannot be ignored. As we strive to promote our positive image, the negative effect of these violent pictures on jobs, tourism and investment cannot be underestimated. We do not want to take a backward step. I urge all those with influence to urgently use it to bring a resolution to the violence and work towards a longer term solution for the issues affecting this area.”

The violence comes just days before the 12th, traditionally a major flashpoint in the North.