PSNI officers protecting the crash site of a British helicopter in South Armagh were attacked with petrol bombs last night.
They were attacked with stones, bottles and up to 70 petrol bombs. There were no injuries, but two police vehicles were damaged.
"During the evening a welcomed intervention of local representatives was successful in calming the situation; however, the youths later resumed the attacks," the PSNI spokesman added.
Four PSNI officers and two British soldiers were taken to hospital after the Lynx helicopter went down in a field close to the border village of Crossmaglen on Sunday.
Ambulance crews removing the casualties were attacked by youths throwing stones, fireworks and snowballs, the PSNI yesterday. Similar attacks were made on police officers.
There were seven members of the security forces in the helicopter - one member of the flight crew escaped unhurt.
A PSNI spokesman said a number of those on the helicopter had suffered serious injuries, although it is thought none of the injuries is life-threatening.
Chief Supt Bobby Hunniford said today: "Thankfully no one was injured but the blatant disregard for human life is deplorable. This isn't the first time this has happened and it cannot be allowed to continue.
"In this era of wanting to move forward, it is totally unacceptable that police and other emergency services are met with bricks, bottles and petrol bombs when they respond to a call."