Boy, 13, arrested after missiles thrown at police

On Tuesday evening in Londonderry, a 13-year-old boy was taken into custody following an incident involving petrol bombs and various projectiles being hurled at police vehicles. The disturbance took place around 17:30 BST when authorities received reports of a group of masked youths congregating in the Bishop Street vicinity.

Insp Ferriby described the situation, noting that “a number of glass bottles were thrown, with fireworks also set off and petrol bombs and masonry thrown at police vehicles.” The young boy was arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior but has since been released on bail. Due to the unrest, Bishop Street was temporarily closed, causing interruptions in the local area.

The police noted a pattern of antisocial behavior occurring recently around Bishop Street, The Fountain, and Nailors Row. Several incidents have involved groups of youths, some masked, on the evenings of April 20 and 21, May 4, and again on Tuesday. Insp Ferriby confirmed that “an investigation is under way to identify all those involved, and we will take action against anyone identified as committing offences.”

Julie Middleton, an assembly member from the Democratic Unionist Party, reported that residents from the Fountain area had contacted her around 17:00 regarding fireworks being thrown into the estate. She condemned the attacks, calling them “absolutely senseless,” emphasizing their sectarian nature and the fact that young people appear responsible. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster, Middleton warned, “Someone is going to end up very seriously injured if this continues.” She expressed concern that the Fountain estate is often targeted, which she believes inevitably provokes clashes with the police. Furthermore, Middleton lamented the impact these events have on residents, who feel “intimidated and isolated,” and called for directing young people toward “better and brighter paths.”

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More