Long condemns violence in Londonderry

Justice Minister, Naomi Long utterly condemns the violence in Derry yesterday and sends her best wishes to the injured officers.

Youths in the city attacked police with fireworks, petrol bombs and stones and some residents had to leave their homes.

The Minister said: "The violence that we saw on our streets yesterday is disgraceful, dangerous and senseless. PSNI officers were attacked, with ten suffering injuries as a result. The police are there to serve the whole community and keep people safe. It is completely reprehensible that they are facing such attacks as they carry out their duties. There is absolutely no place in our community for such disorder and those responsible will be pursued and held accountable in our courts.

"It is particularly concerning that, yet again, children and young people are being exploited and abused by being drawn into attacks and rioting, risking their safety and their futures.

"I would urge all involved, including those young people who are being manipulated, to seriously consider the impact of their actions on themselves and their community and walk away from any further disorder."

The Minister continued: "I want to particularly commend the PSNI whose professionalism and expertise ensured the violence was brought under control without any major incident. I send my thoughts and best wishes to the officers who were injured, and I hope they make a speedy recovery.

"I appeal to anyone with information which could assist the police to contact them on 101."

Notes to editors:

1. For media enquiries please contact the DoJ Press Office by email EMAIL
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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