RIOTS in Derry got out of control last night as explosive devices and petrol bombs were used against police.
On the sixth night of violence in the Bogside area of the city, three people were arrested after two improvised explosive devices were thrown at police officers and 74 petrol bombs were thrown.
One of those arrested is suspected of attempted murder.
The trouble initially broke out after Twelfth of July marches and continued well into the night.
Many of those engaging in violence were youths from the area.
Members of the public were also targeted.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said his officers were subject to a “prolonged and sustained attack”.
“I am saddened, disheartened and frustrated that yet again police officers committed to keeping this local community safe have been attacked by a small number of people within it,” he said.
“It is nothing short of a miracle that officers were not injured.
“During this reckless disorder four AEP rounds were fired by my colleagues and we have arrested three males, aged 18 and 22 years old and aged approximately 50 years old.
“The 22-year-old had been arrested for attempted murder.
“While we have seen many young people involved in these attacks over the last number of nights, it is clear that this is being orchestrated by a more sinister, adult, violent dissident republican element.
“This cannot continue. This must end now.
“I am asking every community leader and every single person with influence in Derry to help us stop these attacks on police and the wider community of the city.”
