Masked individuals and orchestrated violence marred the Easter Monday parade in Derry/Londonderry, with young people deliberately used to shield participants. Petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry were thrown, forcing street closures. Two men were later arrested under the Terrorism Act, and items were seized. The PSNI have called the child exploitation witnessed “utterly shameful.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has strongly condemned what it described as the “utterly shameful” exploitation of young people during Easter Monday’s parade in Derry/Londonderry on 21 April 2025.
What began as a planned commemoration descended into orchestrated disorder, according to Area Commander for Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney.
Chief Superintendent Kearney confirmed that despite assurances from parade organisers that the event would be “a dignified commemoration,” police observed masked individuals throughout the event — a suspected breach of the Parades Commission determination.
The situation escalated near the dispersal point at Lecky Road, where disorder erupted around 2.50pm in the Nailors Row area. Objects including petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry were thrown, forcing the closure of Bishop Street (Without) for public safety and the diversion of pedestrians away from the historic City Walls area.
Police have stated the disorder was “orchestrated” and that young people were deliberately used to shield masked individuals as they changed out of their clothing under cover of a gazebo at St. Joseph’s Place following the parade.
“This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful,” said Chief Superintendent Kearney.
As part of a proactive policing operation in the aftermath of the parade, PSNI officers stopped two vehicles — one in the Frances Street area and another in Fanad Drive. Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under the Terrorism Act and transported to Musgrave Street Station for questioning.
One of the vehicles, a van, was seized along with a number of unspecified items as part of the ongoing investigation.
Chief Superintendent Kearney reiterated the police’s zero-tolerance approach to orchestrated violence and exploitation, especially involving young people.
The PSNI’s investigation is ongoing, and the public is encouraged to report any information that could assist with the inquiry.
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