Boy (13) held over North street violence

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested during minor street disturbances in Northern Ireland.

The youngster was detained in Derry following a second night of disorder in which petrol bombs and missiles were hurled at police.

A PSNI patrol came under attack from stones and two petrol bombs at around 5.40pm yesterday when it passed the Westland Street area of the Bogside.

Shortly afterwards petrol bombs were thrown into the mainly unionist Fountain estate from the adjoining nationalist Bishop Street area.

Police intercepting a number of youths in the nearby Bogside carrying petrol bombs seized several of the missiles and arrested a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of riotous behaviour and possession of petrol bombs.

The boy was later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

A PSNI spokesman said the area was reported as calm by 8pm.

“Police investigating the disorder will view CCTV footage of the incident to identify those engaged in disorder and further arrests are expected,” he added.

On Friday night 25 petrol bombs were hurled by masked children in their early teens at the Fountain/Bishop Street interface area.

CCTV footage shows a petrol bomb was also thrown into the estate, the last remaining mainly Protestant enclave in the city side.

As police arrived on the scene, they are said to have come under attack from petrol bombs and other missiles.

Police said the trouble began at around 7.30pm last night and that around 40 young teenagers were involved.

Bins and rubbish are said to have been pulled on to nearby Lecky Road flyover and set alight during the unrest, blocking it off from traffic.

Investigators said the area was reported calm by midnight and that no injuries or arrests were reported.

A number of smaller disturbances occurred in the area during the week.

PA