RIOTERS have launched petrol bombs at Northern Irish police vans after a republican parade.
Footage from the scene in Derry shows individuals wearing balaclavas throwing missiles at police vehicles which burst into flames.
Five men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act following the parade and a sixth was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, police said.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said all six remained in custody this evening and that officers had also seized a number of vehicles, suspected terrorist uniforms and petrol bombs.
A parade was held today to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising and was linked with an extremist republican group.
Fire damaged PSNI vehicle in Derry today/PA
The family of the murdered journalist Lyra McKee has hit out at the authorities for allowing the parade to go ahead on the three-year anniversary of her killing.
Petrol bombs thrown at PSNI in Derry after republican parade @irish_news pic.twitter.com/YiGPjELyXk
— Connla Young (@ConnlaYoung) April 18, 2022
McKee’s was struck by a bullet during rioting in the Creggan area of the city and a group styling itself as The New IRA claimed responsibility.
Her sister Nichola Corner questioned why the event could not have been held on a different day, pointing out the date of Easter changes every year.
“When we objected to this parade taking place, it was on the grounds of the date alone, not on the grounds of marching,” she said.
“Had they marched on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, we wouldn’t have cared.
“It is insulting to go forth on Lyra’s anniversary, to do a parade of this nature honouring other dead. It’s in really bad taste.”
Ms McKee’s partner Sara Canning added: “We’re here to honour someone we loved, and they’re there to honour people who died 106 years ago. That’s my personal take on it and why I think it’s in such bad taste.”
The Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration parade ended at Derry City Cemetery where an address was heard.
A masked man told those gathered: “We are here to stay”, to applause before the Irish national anthem was played. A message was also read from republican prisoners at jails in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
There were reports of disturbances at the cemetery on Monday evening.
Derry & Strabane District Commander, Chief Superintendent Ryan Henderson said: “Earlier today, police were in attendance at a notified parade in the city.
"On the basis of initial observations, participants in the parade were assessed as having potentially committed criminal offences.
"Police monitored the event closely and, at what was considered to be an appropriate point, took action to secure evidence and make arrests.
“Whilst doing so, police officers came under attack from petrol bombs and masonry.
"Our officers showed tremendous courage and professionalism in what was still clearly a dangerous situation.
"Fortunately, none of our officers, or members of the public were injured as a result of this reckless and criminal behaviour. Our enquiries will continue over the coming days and weeks to bring offenders to justice.”
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