A PSNI land rover engulfed in flames after it was attacked with a petrol in Creggan last Easter Monday
And Supt Alan Hutton has called on those behind the parade to “make a simple” application with the Parades Commission which would make the demonstration legal which would then not require a police presence.
During lasty year’s Easter Monday parade, police came under attack by up to seven petrol bombs in Creggan by masked youths.
One vehicle – which had a CCTV camera mounted on its roof – was engulfed in flames after it was hit by up to two petrol bombs.
Within days, police raided the offices of dissident republicans in Derry and several homes.
Seven men were later arrested and charged with taking part in the illegal parade.
In a statement, Supt Hutton said: “We are aware of a parade being advertised on social media to take place on Easter Monday in this city.
“Over recent months I and others have sought to engage with the parade organisers and to make clear that we support the rights of those to parade and will ensure that those rights are protected while they are acting within the law.
“To date are attempts at engagement have not been taken up.
“And the organisers of the parade have not submitted a simple application for the to the independent Parades Commission.
“I would appeal to the organisers and those with influence to make the application and protect those who want to take part in the parade.
“By doing so, there will be no requirement for police to attend.
“And we will get on with the job of preventing crime, supporting victims and helping the most vulnerable in our community.
Supt Alan Hutton says parade organisers should apply to Parades Commission to make Creggan march legal
“In previous the community has been subjected to petrol bombing and violence and a number of people have ended up before the courts.
“No one in the community wants to see those events repeated.
“As a police officer and as a parent, I don’t want to see any of our children subjected to violence let alone let alone being brought into the criminal justice system.
“If the parade goes ahead unnotified then we will full our obligations but in a proportionate manner.
“Our priority as a police service has, and will continue to be, the safety of the community in Creggan,” added the Derry police chief.
Tags: