Nine people were charged today with a range of offences in connection with violence that flared following yesterday’s Apprentice Boys parade in Derry.
Six men — aged 48, 30, 28, 22, and two 25-year-olds — were charged with public order offences and two other males — aged 17 and 21 — with possession of a petrol bomb. They are due to appear again in court next month.
Another teenager arrested during last night's disturbances will appear in the same court tomorrow charged with breaching his bail conditions.
A total of 26 people were arrested in the clashes, which left two policemen injured. The 17 not charged today have all been released pending police reports or further inquiries.
While the traditional Apprentice Boys parade passed off peacefully, stones, missiles and a number of petrol bombs were later thrown during sporadic attacks. Witnesses a the scene reported one officer was forced to CS gas spray when he was surrounded by a large group of people when another man was bring detained.
A significant quantity of alcohol — including 578 glasses, bottles and cans — was also seized throughout the day.
Around 4,000 Apprentice Boys and 130 bands took part in the annual parade to commemorate the Relief of Derry. The PSNI thanked those who worked to help ensure the parade passed off without major incident.
PA