Community centre targeted in attack

The centre was used by both communities in Derry

Fire services and police have come under attack in Londonderry during a night of sporadic violence in the city.

In the most serious incident, a community centre was destroyed in what is believed to be an arson attack.

The fire at the Clooney Community Centre in the Waterside area broke out in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Fire Service said the building was engulfed by flames when it arrived on the scene at about 0200 BST.

Alec Park: "I am devastated"

The centre was used by all sections of the community for a range of social events.

"I am really choked up about it. After 25 years who wouldn't," said caretaker Alec Park.

"It makes no difference to me what people are. I work for everybody, I always have and I always will."

In a separate incident, petrol bombs were thrown at Clondermott High School in the area.

Earlier, residents of the Bogside came under attack when loyalist youths smashed the windows of homes in the area.

Nationalist youths retaliated to stoning attacks on their homes by throwing petrol bombs and stones at the police.

Riotous behaviour

Firefighters also came under attack when they dealt with a car which had been set on fire at Rossville Street in the Bogside.

A petrol bomb was thrown at the fire brigade before they were forced to withdraw from the area.

Three men appeared at the city's magistrates court on Friday, on charges relating to the violence.

David Jackson, 35, Alistair Boyd, 30 from the Fountain area and John Russell Scott, 35, from Kinsale Park were charged with riotous behaviour.

All three were released on their own bail of £250.