A community representative in Derry has called for calm after the PSNI was attacked in the city for the third consecutive night.
Officers were called to the Galliagh area late on Saturday night following reports that youths were blocking a main road and setting fire to bins. When they arrived, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown and tyres and other debris had been set on fire. There were no injuries reported.
The previous night, two young men, aged 21 and 17, were arrested in the city after similar disturbances in the Galliagh and Northland Road areas.
The younger of the two was later released.
The disturbances appear to be in response to the removal of material for a bonfire planned for Galliagh on August 15th. According to local SDLP councillor, Jimmy Carr, the annual bonfire is a long-standing tradition.
Last year, trouble erupted at the bonfire, including anti-social behaviour and allegations of a sexual assault. Recent talks between community representatives, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the PSNI broke down, before a decision was made to clear away debris.
“I sympathise with both sides,” Mr Carr said. “I can see why many of the older residents want any bonfire to be properly policed and regulated, because of last year’s trouble. I also sympathise with the young people in the area who want to keep up the tradition and feel that’s being denied them.”
The PSNI said it was the council who had removed the debris, “after consultation with the local community”.
Meanwhile, a man was due to appear at Laganside Magistrate’s Court in Belfast this morning in connection with rioting in Ardoyne, Belfast, on the evening of July 12th.
The man (25), who was arrested yesterday in Lurgan, has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, riotous assembly and throwing petrol bombs.