Police effort over city attacks

A petrol bomb caused scorch damage to the house

Police are doing all they can to stop ongoing attacks in the Fountain area of Londonderry, a senior officer has said.

Chief Superintendent Richard Russell was speaking after 30 petrol bombs were thrown and the home of a Protestant family was damaged last weekend.

Mr Russell, district commander for Foyle, said police were "caught between the devil and the deep blue sea".

"If we go into the area, very often we are accused of provoking trouble, he said.

He added that people would then throw stones, paint bombs and petrol bombs at police who were then seen as "causing the problem".

"If we have to react to an incident, which side do you react to?" Mr Russell said.