LISTEN : Passerby and two police officers injured during fourth night of trouble in Bogside

By Q Radio News

A passerby and two police officers were injured during a fourth night of trouble in the Bogside area of Derry-Londonderry.

26 petrol bombs were thrown and a car was set on fire.

Hours earlier, a small crowd gathered in the area to show solidarity with residents living there.

John Lynch from the Long Tower Youth Club - spoke at the rally and said it was important to show their neighbours they were not alone:

Police say three people were arrested following last nights disruption.

Meanwhile,

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald says she is disgusted at what has been happening in the area:

Speaking about last night’s disorder and the ongoing issues in the City, Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said: “We are disappointed that some people decided to continue the public disorder in the Bogside last night, despite the clear message from the community earlier.

“This morning, following the disorder in the Bogside area of the City last night, we have two officers and a member of the public injured.  I am very proud of how my colleagues stood in the face of danger, working to bring this situation under control but I am saddened and angry that again we find ourselves subject to serious violence from the communities we serve. Let me be clear, we have made three arrests last night and with a robust criminal justice strategy in place, there will be more. 

“The local community needs to see a resolution to this issue now. Collectively, we cannot afford to wait and we cannot have night after night of violence on our streets. Following three nights of disorder, we have a number of police officers who are no longer available to deliver their core policing duties, protecting the communities they serve. 

“And the huge impact on our City cannot be ignored. As we strive to promote our positive image, the negative effect of these violent pictures on jobs, tourism and investment cannot be underestimated. We do not want to take a backward step. I urge all those with influence to urgently use it to bring a resolution to the violence and work towards a longer term solution for the issues affecting this area."

The solidarity rally makes its way from #Derry’s Bogside up Nailor’s Row towards the Fountain Estate to show solidarity with residents there after several night’s of rioting pic.twitter.com/M6Fcu50qyA

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) July 9, 2018

Several dozen people attended a rally tonight in the Bogside #Derry to show solidarity with those who have been affected by several night’s of rioting in the Bogside and Fountain areas pic.twitter.com/V20rKO4cIr

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) July 9, 2018