Petrol Bomb Thrown at Police During Bogside Disorder in Derry

Police have appealed for calm following anti-social behaviour in the Bogside area of Derry/Londonderry on Wednesday night. Fires were started near the Lecky flyover, traffic was disrupted and a petrol bomb was thrown at police on Bishop Street.

Fires and disorder reported in the Bogside

Police say incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Bogside in Derry/Londonderry took place between around 8pm and 11.30pm on Wednesday, 12 August.

A mattress and pallets were set on fire in the Lecky flyover area.

Police said a motorbike, believed to have been ridden into the area, was also seen on fire. The cause of that blaze is not known at this stage.

Traffic was disrupted for a period as a result of the incidents.

Petrol bomb thrown at police on Bishop Street

Police also confirmed that one petrol bomb was thrown at officers on Bishop Street during the disorder.

Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said police believe the removal of bonfire material earlier in the day prompted the initial incidents.

She said:

“We believe the removal yesterday of bonfire material by the Department for Infrastructure, including close to 500 pallets, prompted the initial incidents last night, but that anti-social behaviour in relation to the interface also played a part.”

Police appeal for calm

Chief Superintendent Kearney said police would deploy resources to deter further disorder and protect the community.

She added:

“We hope we do not see a repeat of what occurred last night, however, I want to reassure the community we will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible and keep people safe.

“We appeal for calm. There is no need or point in bringing disruption to local communities, and there will be consequences for those found to be involved.”

An investigation into the incidents is now underway.

Anyone with information urged to contact police

Anyone with information or footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101.

Information about non-emergency incidents can also be submitted through the PSNI online reporting service. The PSNI reporting service includes options for reporting incidents, anti-social behaviour and responding to witness appeals.

For further contact information, visit the PSNI Contact Us page.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can:

• Visit Crimestoppers
• Give information anonymously online
• Read about giving information anonymously

Crimestoppers says information provided through its telephone and online services is anonymous.

Useful links

PSNI Contact Information
https://www.psni.police.uk/contact-us

Crimestoppers
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Crimestoppers Anonymous Reporting
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously