Police in Derry have confirmed they are treating a string of violent incidents over the weekend as sectarian hate crimes.
Investigations are underway into several events, including an assault on young people, damage to public and private vehicles, and widespread disorder across parts of the city.
Youths Attacked in Nelson Drive
Trouble flared on Saturday, 26th April, at around 6.30pm, when three male youths were targeted in the Nelson Drive area. They were reportedly chased by a group of around ten other youths, some shouting sectarian abuse.
Seeking refuge, the three victims fled into a back garden on Caw Close. Their pursuers allegedly jumped a wall and used garden furniture to attack them. Fortunately, the three young men managed to escape without serious injury.
Violence Erupts in the Waterside
Just a day later, police were called to reports of an organised fight in the Waterside area. From around 5pm, crowds of mostly masked youths descended on Irish Street.
Bricks, bottles and fireworks were hurled between rival groups – and at police officers. A bus travelling through the area was struck with bricks, smashing windows and leaving passengers traumatised.
A teenage boy was reportedly showered with glass during the attack. Another vehicle was also damaged. Two police vehicles sustained serious hits during the disturbance.
Mural Defaced and More Violence Overnight
Later on Sunday evening, at about 8.40pm, police received reports that a mural in The Fountain Estate had been vandalised with paint bombs.
Shortly before 11pm, another police vehicle – carrying two service dogs – was attacked in Irish Street. Objects thrown by youths caused damage to the rear passenger door. Fortunately, the dogs were unharmed.
Following the incident, two males were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. One of them also faces charges of assaulting police. Both remained in custody into Monday morning.
Around 11.35pm, another civilian vehicle was damaged while travelling through The Fountain Estate. Calm was finally restored by midnight.
Ongoing Police Investigations
Police have confirmed that investigations into each of these incidents are ongoing. The assaults, the attack on the bus, and the mural vandalism are being treated as sectarian hate crimes.
Chief Inspector Luke Moyne stated: “At this stage, as enquiries into each of these incidents are ongoing, we are continuing to work with relevant partners and stakeholders, focusing our patrols where they are needed and taking positive action where we can.
We encourage the community to continue to report crimes or incidents that impact on their quality of life on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Anyone who engages in anti-social behaviour needs to consider the consequences of their actions and of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour.
Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 989 27/04/25. Reports can also be made online via PSNI’s website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.
The weekend’s disorder has left parts of Derry shaken. With investigations ongoing, police continue to urge the public to report any information that could help bring those responsible to justice.
Efforts remain focused on restoring peace and reassuring communities affected by the violence.
