A PSNI officer was hurt while attending a security alert after youths launched a sustained attack throwing petrol bombs and paint cans in what has been described as "senseless disorder".
Officers were called to the Aileach Road area of Derry on Friday evening, June 2, after reports a suspicious object had been left in the area.
They then came under attack from a large group of youths. Police vehicles were also damaged and the alert was later declared a hoax.
READ MORE: Man jailed for part in hijacking which saw victim bundled into boot of his car
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Nobody wants to see scenes like this in our city, significant disruption was caused to residents living in this area and police came under attack with damage caused to vehicles and one officer left injured.
“Police officers do a very difficult job in often challenging situations and nobody should have to face attacks of these nature while going about a day’s work. Our thoughts are with the injured officer, who I hope makes a quick recovery, and everyone caught up in this incident.
Those behind this alert have no support and need to take a long, hard look at themselves and get off the backs of the local community. They are not only putting local residents at risk, but the young people engaging in this behaviour are risking a criminal record and seriously limiting their future prospects. People in Derry are sick to the back teeth of incidents like this intruding on their lives. I would urge those engaging in this senseless behaviour to cease once and for all before they cause any more harm to the local community.”
Chief Inspector Moyne said: “Police received a report at approximately 7.10pm on Friday, 2nd June of a suspicious object that had been left in the area.
“As officers attended the scene to examine the object they came under sustained attack from a large group of youths.
“Petrol bombs, paint cans and pieces of masonry were thrown at police. One officer was injured, but remained on duty. A number of police vehicles were also damaged during the senseless disorder.
“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and assessed the object. It has been removed for further examination. Cordons that were in place on the Aileach Road have also now been lifted.
“Our investigation is underway and anyone who thinks they could help with our ongoing enquiries can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1835 of 02/06/23.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.
READ NEXT:
- Ulster University host largest Repair Café Foyle event to date
- Derry teenager on life after suffering a stroke at 14
- Co Derry woman in tribute to mother-in-law who defied expectations after cancer diagnosis
- Derry students enjoy opportunity of a lifetime on Man Utd's iconic Old Trafford pitch
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
