Chaos Erupts: Arrests Made at Easter Monday Parade

A senior police officer has condemned the scenes in Derry on Easter Monday in which members of the force were attacked with petrol bombs after a controversial dissident republican parade went ahead.

Arrests and Seizure
Police have made two arrests and seized a number of items including a van after violent disorder broke out as officers were monitoring the parade from the Derry Walls as it made its way from Creggan to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside on Monday afternoon. Those taking part in the parade wore paramilitary style clothing, despite a ban in place following a Parades Commission determination. Following the parade, as part of a proactive policing operation, officers stopped two vehicles - one in the Frances Street area and one in the Fanad Drive area. Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under The Terrorism Act and have been taken to Musgrave Street Station for questioning. One of the vehicles stopped, a van was seized. A number of items were also seized. Speaking after the Easter Monday parade, Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: "Despite the claim by organisers of today's Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite. "From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination."

Disturbing Developments
As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm. Petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. "Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls. This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this."

Child Criminal Exploitation
Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing. "This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful," she added.