‘New IRA’ behind Londonderry violence
Chief Constable George Hamilton has blamed the New IRA for a series of violent attacks on his officers last week.
Attempted murder investigations have been launched after officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were shot at and targeted with explosives during six nights of disorder in Londonderry.
Two officers were injured as they were pelted with petrol bombs, with many of the attackers thought to be younger than 18.
Several men have been arrested and charged with crimes including disorderly behaviour and possession of explosives with intent.
Mr Hamilton told a press conference: “We believe there are members of a variety of dissident republican groups in this disorder – the so-called New IRA is the main group behind these murderous attacks on police.
“We want to police with the community and protect people, we’re working hard to maintain protecting people, locking up those responsible and bringing them before courts.
“My fear is someone will be killed or seriously injured, we’ve already had police officers injured this week. It’s only a matter of time before a police officer or a child is injured or worse.”
Violence broke out in Londonderry on Thursday (July 12) as 74 petrol bombs were thrown at PSNI officers and residents of the republican Bogside area.
Officers discharged baton rounds but were targeted with viable explosive devices.
The disorder marked the sixth night of violence in the city since July 7, when Bogside residents threw petrol bombs into the mostly Protestant Fountain estate.
During the week officers were again targeted with explosives and shot at with an assault-style weapon.
Several of the alleged perpetrators have been taken into custody.
John Paul Moore, 22, was charged with possessing with intent three improvised explosive devices and indecently exposing himself to a female officer.
Further charges include making, possessing and throwing petrol bombs, riotous behaviour, damaging a GPS monitoring tag and obstructing an officer.
He was remanded in custody until August 9.
A 15-year-old was also charged with riotous behaviour, throwing petrol bombs, possessing petrol bombs and arson, and a 17-year-old has faced similar charges.