LAST UPDATE | 10 Apr 2023

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have appealed for calm after officer came under attack during an illegal dissident republican march in Derry.

A number of missiles, including petrol bombs, were thrown at a PSNI Land Rover.

An Easter commemoration parade was being held in the Creggan area of the city.

A PSNI statement said: “Our officers have come under attack in Creggan with petrol bombs and other objects thrown at their vehicle while in attendance at an un-notified Easter parade.

“No injuries have been reported at this time. We would appeal for calm.”

The parade, which travelled to the City Cemetery, was led by a number of people in paramilitary-style dress.

Last week, senior police warned of the potential of disorder at the event.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the force has received “strong” intelligence that dissidents were planning to launch terror attacks against officers on the bank holiday.

Police had increased security measures in response to the un-notified parade.

Political representatives have condemned the violence, with Alliance Party MLA Kellie Armstrong tweeting: “Disgraceful. The actions of some who want to drag NI back to dark days is abhorrent.”

Incredibly disheartening

Speaking after the incident, Derry City and Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: “What we saw develop this afternoon in Creggan was incredibly disheartening”.

“As the parade was un-notified, police were in attendance with a proportionate policing operation. Sadly, before the parade even started, we observed young people in the vicinity making petrol bombs to throw at police,” Goddard said.

Shortly after the parade commenced, petrol bombs and other objects were thrown at one of our vehicles at the junction of Iniscarn Road and Linsfort Drive. This was a senseless and reckless attack on our officers who were in attendance in the area in order to comply with our legal duties.

He said that as participants at the parade made their way out of the City Cemetery, they removed their paramilitary uniforms under the cover of umbrellas and burnt them.

“Organisers of this parade communicated in advance their desire to have a respectful and dignified event, however, that is not what we witnessed today. There can be no place for this type of criminal activity. It is not wanted nor welcomed by the vast majority of people across the city,” Goddard said.

“During today’s policing operation, we deployed evidence-gathering resources, and obtained footage which will now be reviewed as part of an investigation into potential offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.

“As we head into this evening, we would appeal for calm, and welcome support from those with influence to help prevent any further disorder in the city this evening.”