Trouble breaks out at interface

The trouble flared at the interface between Bishop Street and the Fountain

Residents living on the interface between the Fountain and Bishop Street in Londonderry have criticised the police response to trouble in the area.

Two people were arrested following violence at Upper Bennett Street, but have since been released.

A brick was thrown from the Fountain, but people living on both sides said they were hit by missiles.

Residents in Upper Bennett Street said it took more than an hour for police to respond. The police are investigating.

Fountain community leader Alistair Simpson said their residents were also hit by missiles.

"There were eight people sitting on the site last night having a barbecue and all of a sudden stones started to fly over.

"There's been a lot of money spent on the CCTV cameras around the area here, and during the daylight hours it should be very easy to pick up the perpetrators who have started the problem," he said.

That is totally wrong, not in this day and age Injured man

But SDLP councillor Helen Quigley said it "appeared to be one-way traffic".

"That was with the exception of one man lifting a stone and throwing it back again.

"This started apparently at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, and it was still going on it ten o'clock last night," said Mrs Quigley.

"Eventually the police moved to arrest a couple of people within the Fountain," she said.

The man who was struck by the brick said he didn't know why the trouble broke out.

"It's been quiet for a good few weeks, but it could be people coming from out of the area to have a row, walk away and leave the people of Upper Bennett Street to deal with that.

"That is totally wrong, not in this day and age," he said.

Police are investigating the incident.