Police have called for calm after the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service came under attack and a road was partially blocked after a number of bonfire materials were lifted in Derry.
The PSNI said they responded to an incident in the Galliagh area on Monday, June 27 after it emerged that two Northern Ireland Housing Executive vehicles were "damaged by masonry thrown by young people".
It's understood a group of youths gathered in the Fairview Road area after staff from the NI Housing Executive had come to remove bonfire materials left in the area.
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At around 5pm, pallets were set on fire and when the [Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue] were in the area to deal with the fire, some young people threw masonry, according to the PSNI.
Officers attended to support the NIFRS and to assist in clearing the road.
Chief Inspector Willy Calderwood said: "What happened in Galliagh yesterday evening is really disappointing. To see young people involved in this type of criminal behaviour is unacceptable. We know it is not reflective of the community of Galliagh, and that this type of reckless activity is not supported by the community.
"Our Neighbourhood officers have been working with partners and groups in the community, and they will continue with this work to resolve these issues and will continue to have a visible presence in the area.
“We welcome support from community leaders to do all they can to keep the area peaceful and free from such senseless activity we know it not wanted by the community of Galliagh."
"Young people in the area then dispersed. Police remained in the area to monitor the situation."
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue (NIFRS) said:“Crews from Northland Fire Station attended the first two incidents, but were unable to extinguish the fire as they were approached by a large group of youths.
“A crew from Northland Fire Station with an additional NIFRS officer attended the third incident, but whilst extinguishing the fire had to withdraw for crew safety due to again being approached by a large group of youths.
“NIFRS did not attend the incident at 21.03hrs, as the information received indicated there was no risk to property or life – and further information highlighted there was again a large group of youths at the scene, so it would be unsafe to attend for crew safety.”
Meanwhile, one resident told MyDerry that the young people in the area felt "hard done by".
Sean Leonard, from the Galliagh area, said: "The young ones have been collecting for the 15th August, I'm not one for bonfires but this year they have been respectful.
"I'm against the fire but it's one night then over. The young ones feel hard done by that other areas get to have a bonfire, but they can't.
"There is a group in the area made up of residents in Galliagh. They are the Galliagh Community Response who have helped curb the anti-social behaviour in the area.
"I am a member of this group, myself and other members were on the ground to help with cars gaining access to the street. This group is on the street trying to clean the area."
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