The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is investigating after petrol bombs were thrown and a van was lit on fire in the Creggan area of Derry on Monday, April 1.
Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said on Monday: “Police received an 11/1 on Saturday 30th March in relation only to an event in the City Cemetery in Creggan this afternoon, 1st April. This did not include notification of a parade from Central Drive to the City Cemetery in Creggan this afternoon.
“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.
“Today’s parade was un-notified and, therefore, an investigation, has commenced into what occurred as well as the other incidents which serve only to damage the local community.
“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.”
Earlier on Monday, the Derry City and Strabane branch of the PSNI advised drivers to avoid Central Drive and the surrounding area in Creggan "where there are a number of people with petrol bombs in the area, and a van has been set on fire."
We would ask drivers to avoid Central Drive and the surrounding area in Creggan where there are a number of people with petrol bombs in the area, and a van has been set on fire. We will keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/YtB4lLn2Ks
— Police Derry City and Strabane (@PSNIDCSDistrict) April 1, 2024
The PA reported on Monday that the parade was organized by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee and featured a "colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags."
The PA added: "A number of young people with masks covering their faces attended the parade, carrying crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.
"Media came under attack following the march, with a number of petrol bombs thrown."
Kevin Scott, visuals editor with the Belfast Telegraph, shared footage of a petrol bomb being thrown at a journalist:
This is nothing short of attempted murder.
A petrol bomb is thrown at a journalist as they flee a dissident Easter commemoration in Derry this afternoon.
When police didn't attend the event, masked youths decided the next target would be the media. @BelTel… pic.twitter.com/776O0uei2Q
— Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) April 1, 2024
Responding to footage of a van being burnt out, Colum Eastwood, head of Northern Ireland's SDLP, said on X on Monday: "This is the last thing our community wants or needs."
This is the last thing our community wants or needs. Kids whipped up to attack journalists and police and in the end, it’s their own lives and futures they’re putting at risk.
People in Derry want to live in peace with their neighbours. We won’t be dragged back. https://t.co/gZvfEJazMu
— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) April 1, 2024
Similarly, Emma Little-Pengelly, the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, said: "The huge, huge majority of Northern Ireland reject this, and the attempts to lure our police officers into the situation to be attacked and be subjected to violence."
The huge, huge majority of Northern Ireland reject this, and the attempts to lure our police officers into the situation to be attacked and be subjected to violence.
This is not our future, we stand united against this.
Our future is of hope. That is what we will build. https://t.co/Lahh6TNGJs
— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) April 1, 2024
Naomi Long, head of Northern Ireland's Alliance Party, denounced the scenes involving youths as "grooming and exploitation."
In at least some cases, these are children. This is grooming and exploitation.
It has no place in any community at any time. https://t.co/GXnQAjI0Zm
— Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) April 1, 2024
Similar scenes unfolded last year on Easter Monday in Creggan, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
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