Masked youths with tricolours throw petrol bombs at PSNI during East Bank Protestant Boys Flute Band parade in Londonderry

The parade had some 1,200 bandsmen and was expected to have some 300 supporters. Around 15 masked youths waving tricolours attacked police with petrol bombs and heavy masonry as the parade passed through.

Police said they responded to reports of a crowd of youths gathered at the interface in the Irish Street area.

Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said: “At approximately 9.45pm around 15 young people were in the area with their faces covered carrying a number of flags while a band parade was passing through.

“The youths initially engaged with police in attendance, however, after leaving the area for a short time they returned armed with paint bombs, heavy masonry and petrol bombs.

“A period of disorder ensured as they threw the items at officers – two police vehicles sustained minor damage.”

There were no injuries and police restored calm by 1am, she added.

UUP alderman Darren Guy said that youths from the nationalist Gobnascale estate hurled sectarian abuse at the parade and spectators as they passed.

“There was a group of youths who were nationalist-republican from the Gobnascale area standing near the interface with tricolours and shouting sectarian abuse at the bands as they were passing by, and at spectators.

“A few residents think that the police should have actually moved upon them at that stage, which they didn't do.

“When they don't get a reaction from the parade or spectators, they then turned on the police, which is common.”

He believes the violence was orchestrated. The main route for the parade is on the interface between the unionist Irish Street estate and the nationalist Gobnascale area, he said.

There has been sectarian violence from youths on both sides, which he is concerned could escalate into something more serious over the summer.

UUP leader Jon Burrows, previously a PSNI District Commander for the city, said: “This was disgraceful behaviour and we are fortunate no one was seriously injured. It is vital that parents and guardians are proactive in ensuring they know the whereabouts of children, especially when events and parades are taking place. This issue has been ongoing for decades.

“It is clear there was a level of planning behind this and I know firsthand of serious injuries that have been caused by petrol bombs in this area - including to children.”

It is vital that the PSNI quickly identify the young people involved to and initiate the youth justice and social services interventions to protect the public, he added.

The DUP’s Foyle MLA Julie Middleton has condemned disorder as a “premeditated and dangerous attack” following the East Bank Protestant Boys parade.

Julie Middleton MLA said: “This was not spontaneous behaviour. This was a targeted attack by republican youths and it must be called out for what it is.

"The use of petrol bombs and heavy masonry could have had very serious consequences. It is a miracle that no one was seriously injured.

“Those involved showed complete disregard not only for the police but for their own community, diverting vital resources away from victims of crime.

“Parents must know where their children are and what they are involved in. This kind of behaviour can have life-changing consequences.

“There can be no tolerance for those who seek to intimidate or attack lawful cultural expression. Everyone has a right to participate in peaceful parades without fear of violence or disorder.”

The East Bank Protestant Boys Flute Band offered their thanks to everyone who supported the parade.

“We would also like to thank the PSNI for their assistance with traffic management, including helping to keep a small number of masked youths with tricolours at the interface under control,” they said.

Police have asked for on tel 101 ref 1773 01/05/26 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.