13-Year-Old Arrested in Londonderry After Petrol Bombs Target Police
A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Londonderry on suspicion of riotous behaviour after petrol bombs and masonry were thrown at police vehicles on Tuesday evening. The incident, reported around 17:30 BST, involved several masked young people gathered in the Bishop Street area, according to Inspector Ferriby.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Assembly Member Julie Middleton stated that the assault on police followed reports from Fountain estate residents about fireworks being launched into their area. The teenage suspect has since been released on bail. Bishop Street experienced temporary closures due to the disorder.
Police have documented several instances of antisocial behaviour in Bishop Street, The Fountain, and Nailors Row recently. Similar disturbances, some involving masked youths, were noted on 20 and 21 April, 4 May, and the most recent Tuesday. Inspector Ferriby confirmed an ongoing investigation to identify and prosecute all involved.
DUP MLA Middleton reported that Fountain residents informed her of fireworks attacks on Tuesday and stone-throwing on Monday. She described these assaults as "absolutely senseless" and "sectarian," attributing them to young people. Middleton warned of serious injuries if the pattern continues, noting that attacks on the Fountain often precede confrontations with police.
East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell emphasised the collective responsibility of politicians to condemn such disorder. Speaking of the predominantly Protestant Fountain estate, which comprises less than 1% of Derry’s cityside population, Campbell questioned why they are targeted by "organised groups of young people." SDLP Councillor John Boyle characterised Tuesday's unrest as "an escalation," with a "very significant" police presence, underscoring the sectarian nature of the events and the need to confront the perpetrators.
