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Riots break out in Derry for second night as 'petrol bombs' thrown at cops
Mirror | June 18, 2025 8:39 AM CST

Disorder has broken out in Northern Ireland again this evening, police have said, with a number of "missiles and petrol bombs" being thrown at cops.

Officers have asked the public to avoid the Nailors Row area of Derry / Londonderry this evening as the incident unfolds. The police said in a statement shared on social media: "Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Nailors Row area of Derry / Londonderry this evening, Tuesday 17th June.

"A number of missiles, including masonry and petrol bombs, have been thrown towards officers. We would ask the public to avoid the area until further notice."

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Tonight's disorder follows last week's riots which saw petrol bombs being thrown at cops in what was dubbed a "week of shame" for the region. last week, the focus of the violence and unrest shifted to Portadown.

One officer was directly in the impact of a petrol bomb that landed behind a line of police vehicles during a sustained standoff with those participating in the unrest on Friday. Fireworks, masonry, and bottles were among other items thrown at riot police deployed in the town. Police used a water cannon on the crowd in an effort to disperse those gathered on West Street into other areas.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said everyone is condemning the disorder and calling for it to stop. She said: "What we have seen over the last four days has been devastation, has been horrific for those people targeted - this is women and children, these are families, at the brunt of racist, violent attacks, and it is wrong on every level. The whole of the Executive is united on that front."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described a "difficult time for Northern Ireland" with "disgraceful scenes of violent disorder", and said her thoughts are with the residents of the areas affected.


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