Police attacked by missile-throwing gang in Derry city

Two boys aged 14 and 16 arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour

File photograph of PSNI officers undergoing  riot training at Longmoor Army Camp ahead of the G8 meeting in Northern Ireland in  2013. File Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
File photograph of PSNI officers undergoing riot training at Longmoor Army Camp ahead of the G8 meeting in Northern Ireland in 2013. File Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Police in Derry city came under attack from youths throwing missiles as they responded to a call on Friday night.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had received reports of between 30 and 40 youths pouring petrol on the street and setting it on fire in the Leafair Gardens and Glencaw Park areas at 10.30pm.

Officers “came under fire from the youths throwing missiles such as bricks and bottles at police vehicles”.

Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan said: “Residents in this area have suffered again due to the reckless actions of these youths.”

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Two boys aged 14 and 16 who were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Mr Callaghan said: “I will again reiterate the message to youths involved in this kind of activity - you run the very real risk of being arrested and getting a criminal record which could affect your life for a very long time. Parents need to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing.

“Police will continue to work closely with community representatives, local elected representatives and other statutory bodies to address the problem of anti-social behaviour in the area.

“I appeal to anyone with any information about this incident or any other anti-social behaviour in their area, to contact their local police on the non emergency number 101.”