THE union which represents rank and file PSNI officers says attacks on police with petrol bombs in Derry on Easter Monday were “attempts to maim or kill” officers.
Chunks of masonry and other missiles were also directed at police as around 200 people attended the 1916 Easter Rising commemoration in the Creggan estate yesterday afternoon.
Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay described the violence as “appalling and disgraceful”.
He said: “Anyone who throws petrol bombs at police vehicles or individual officers is out to cause maximum physical harm. They want to maim or kill officers.
“That’s the stark reality of their actions.”
Mr Lindsay said the dissidents behind the attacks will not succeed in causing mayhem.
A PSNI land rover engulted in flames after it was attacked with a petrol in the Creggan area on Easter Monday
He added: “They only know how to wreck and undermine.
“They are bankrupt thugs with nothing but misery to offer a community.
“They cling desperately to a past, unwilling to recognise the gains that have been made and unwilling to imagine a better future for the entire community.
“There was orchestration behind this unrest with young people being manipulated by older and sinister ‘puppet-masters’.
“They are brainwashing these youths into believing that violence is the only way forward and, of course, it isn’t.”
The Easter commemoration parades was led by around a dozen masked men in paramiltary-style uniforms.
A senior PSNI officer said video footage of the attacks will be examined in an effort to bring those responsible before the courts.
The violence was condemned by local politicians.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood used social media to condemn the petrol bombers and rioters.
He said: “Disgraceful scenes in Creggan today.
“What does any of that achieve apart from ensuring that more young people end up getting criminal records.” .
Sinn Fein Councillor Kevin Campbell said: “Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.
“However, the petrol bomb and stone attacks on the PSNI in Creggan on Easter Monday by masked individuals close to a commemoration were dangerous and disgraceful.
“Thankfully no one has been seriously injured but the police must now bring those responsible before the courts.
“Incidents like these, apart from the risk to life and limb, are in no one’s interests.
“I would caution young people in particular about getting caught up in this sort of behaviour.
“And the community does not want to see incidents like these on the streets of Derry.”
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton also condemned those behind the violence.
“Nobody has a desire to see the violence on display today, except for barbaric thugs intent on endangering life and property,” he said.
Mr Middleton described the “glorification of terrorism” at the parade as “abhorrent”.
He added: “I hope the actions of all involved are investigated and those responsible feel the full weight of the law.”
Chief Inspector Ivor Morton said the parade organisers had declined PSNI attempts to engage in discussions ahead of the commemoration.
“Police will review all video footage collected today and will robustly pursue all possible enquiries to identify those involved and bring them before the courts.”
Read more at: https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/crime/petrol-bomb-attacks-attempt-to-kill-psni-officers-1-8442063
Tags: