Police come under attack from petrol bombers in republican New Lodge

The first minister was speaking after a far quieter Eleventh night than usual, which was marred by trouble in the New Lodge.

Smaller than usual bonfires were lit in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland as the annual July tradition took place amid coronavirus restrictions.

While there were fewer fires than usual, significant crowds did gather at several of the bonfires that went ahead.

In north Belfast, there was a second night of sporadic disorder close to a community interface as police came under attack from petrol bombers in the nationalist New Lodge close to a bonfire in the loyalist Tiger’s Bay area.

Mrs Foster condemned the violent scenes, and also criticised those who placed sectarian and offensive messages on the loyalist bonfires.

“They really need to take a look at themselves and ask themselves what sort of a Northern Ireland do they want to live in, do they want to live in a Northern Ireland were everyone is entitled to proudly celebrate their culture and identity or do they want to live in a split Northern Ireland?” she told the BBC.

“I know certainly the one in which I want to live in, it’s one where we can all proudly celebrate but do so in a way that is not offensive and certainly not sectarian.”

Speaking after the disorder in north Belfast, Superintendent Lorraine Dobson said: “It is extremely disappointing that last night (Saturday 11th July) we saw such disorder on our streets where our police officers once again came under attack from youths throwing petrol bombs.

“Just after 5pm, we responded to a report that a crowd of youths were starting to gather on North Queen Street, some of whom were armed with bottles.

“We responded and officers from Tactical Support Group were deployed to the area.

“Throughout the evening, a number of petrol bombs were thrown at police, including on Queens Parade and New Lodge Road. As officers attempted to engage with youths in the area last night, they came under attack from youths, some of whom were masked, who threw bottles and masonry. Damage has been caused to a number of our vehicles but, thankfully, none of our officers were injured.

“We are again today appealing to young people who are involved in this type of criminal and anti-social behaviour to stop. You need to realise the consequences of your actions, and the impact it has on the community.”

Supt. Dobson added: “I would also appeal to parents and guardians of young people to please ensure you know where your young people are, who they are with and what they are doing.

“I would also appeal to those in the community to use their influence to ensure we do not see a repeat of this senseless activity we have witnessed over the last two nights again in the area.

“We will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible in a proportionate manner, and we will seek to gather evidence to bring those responsible before the courts, whether through evidence gathering or arrests at the time.

“I want to reassure the community that we will continue to work with local representatives, partner agencies and members of the community to prevent any further disorder.”

The PSNI are asking anyone with information about any of these incidents should to call police on 101, and quote reference number 1456 of 11/07/20. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Ahead of the Eleventh Night fires, politicians and community leaders had urged people to avoid mass gatherings and stick to Covid-19 regulations that limit outdoor gatherings to no more than 30 people.