Police Release Statement On Easter Monday Events In Creggan

The PSNI have released a statement on the events which took place in Creggan on Easter Monday.

Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said that "police received an 11/1 on Saturday 30th March in relation only to an event in the City Cemetery in Creggan" which would be taking place on 1 April. However, this did not include notification of a parade from Central Drive to the City Cemetery in Creggan on 1 April also.

Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: "Police engaged with the event organiser and, on the day, issued several warnings from a drone to make participants aware they would be taking part in an un-notified parade on Central Drive. Despite several warnings, participants proceeded along Central Drive and into the City Cemetery. "Sadly, we saw evidence of petrol bombs being prepared by young people prior to the parade. These youths were also involved in the parade along Central Drive. It is our assessment these would have been used to attack police had the opportunity arose. It’s incredibly sad, and really disheartening to see young people, including children, involved in this. Using young people in this way, risking their safety and encouraging them to engage in criminality is reprehensible

"A local person’s van was set on fire for no reason, just next to a local community hall on Central Drive in Creggan, while a number of petrol bombs were also thrown in the area. The fire has been dealt with by NIFRS and those involved throwing the petrol bombs have dispersed.

"Footage obtained from our evidence gathering operation today will be reviewed as part of an investigation into a breach of the Public Processions Act and offences Under the Terrorism Act 2000."

As the parade was un-notified an investigation has been launched into what took place as well as the other incidents which serve only to damage the local community.