Easter Parade Violence 'Clearly Pre-Meditated'

An attack on police during an Easter Parade in L'Derry has been described as 'clearly pre-meditated'.

Petrol bombs and projectiles were thrown at police at about 2pm on Easter Monday as the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee began its march through the Creggan estate.

Commenting following the disturbance, Chief Inspector Ivor Morton said: "In relation to event(s) in Derry/Londonderry we attempted to engage with the organisers of the parade over a period of time in a bid to facilitate their event within the law. 

"The organisers declined to enter into any discussions with Police on this matter. 

"The organisers also stated in the run-up to (the) event they were informed by Police the parade would be stopped and would not be allowed to go ahead.

"This was patently untrue and can only be viewed as an attempt by those behind the parade as a bid to raise tensions in the area. 

"It is, therefore, regrettable that in raising those tensions a small number of people saw fit to attack police officers with petrol bombs in what was clearly a pre-meditated attack."

Chief Inspector Morton said that the violence was "detrimental to community safety" and that there would be consequences through the criminal justice system.

He continued: "Police will review all video footage collected and will robustly pursue all possible enquiries to identify those involved and bring them before the courts.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact police at Strand Road station on the 101-non emergency number. Information can also be passed to police through your local representatives or to your local neighbourhood policing officer. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers and on 0800 555 111."

(MH/LM)