Hundreds involved in city riots

Hundreds of people were involved in the rioting

Hundreds of people have been involved in rioting in Londonderry city centre during the early hours of Sunday.

Fencing, paving slabs and bottles were thrown at police during the violence which lasted for several hours.

A police spokesperson said four officers were injured and one member of the public was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The trouble started in Shipquay Street at 0200 BST and continued until 0400 BST. One person has been arrested.

Without those basic levels of equipment, it simply would have been too dangerous for police officers to confront the crowd throwing bricks and paving slabs. Inspector John Burrows

A BBC marquee in Guildhall Square was also damaged and plasma screens destroyed.

Foyle MLA William Hay said it was unacceptable behaviour.

"Every right thinking person across the city, irrespective of where they live, would condemn this," he said.

"Everybody believes we left this behind us and the city centre can be shared... there can be no excuse for it."

Police are examining CCTV footage of the disturbances.

Inspector John Burrows said the situation had been "extremely dangerous" and more people could have been injured.

"The officers had to wear riot helmets, they had to have pads on, they had to have shields and they had to use armoured Land Rovers," he said.

"Without those basic levels of equipment, it simply would have been too dangerous for police officers to confront the crowd throwing bricks and paving slabs."