Chief Inspector Jon Burrows codemns those behind Friday night’s rioting

RIOTERS put the lives of the public and the emergency services at risk of death after 25 petrol bombs were thrown during a fifth night of serious public disorder in Derry. 

Trouble erupted in the Fountain area of the city on Friday night evening around 7.30 pm with youths initially throwning stones.

However, armoured police landrovers entered the area they came under attack from a hail of petrol bombs by a 40-strong mob of youths.

Devices were also thrown towards the Fountain area.

Bins and rubbish were pulled onto Leckey Road flyover and set alight.

There were no reports of any injuries or arrests and the area was reported calm by midnight.

PSNI area commander, Chief Inspector Jon Burrows, said: “I would urge all parents to know the whereabouts of their children and to ensure they are safe and not involved in incidents like we saw in the Fountain area last night.

“The possibility of serious injury or death is very real when lethal weapons such as petrol bombs are thrown.

“The disorder in the area also put members of the community at risk as emergency services vehicles were unable to access certain areas of the city for a time last night.”

It was the fifth night of trouble in the city.

Trouble started following the death of former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher.

Dissident republicans held ‘Thatcher Is Dead’ parties which led to public disorder.