PSNI say city trouble 'sinister'

Prominent dissident republicans were seen in Londonderry where 39 petrol bombs were thrown, police have said.

Trouble flared on Monday night near the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and Fountain area after the Twelfth parade.

"The disturbances we saw near Fahan Street were particularly nasty, much nastier than in previous years," said Chief Inspector Chris Yates.

"One could draw the conclusion that there was some sort of sinister influence in the background."

He insisted that those involved would be caught.

"We have very good quality CCTV footage taken from a number of locations," he said.

"There are at least 20 to 30 people clearly seen creating disturbances in Fahan Street and that's not including the people who were involved in disturbances during the parade."

No one was injured in the disturbances.

There were also minor disturbances during the return leg of the Twelfth parade in Londonderry.

Police had to deal with minor trouble in the Butcher's Gate area. One policeman sustained a slight injury.

Earlier, rival groups taunted each other as Orangemen and a small number of bands made their way through the Diamond area.

Both sides spat at each other and threw missiles. Police separated factions.

Officers remained in the area, and were attacked by nationalists throwing stones and bottles.

About 3,000 Orangemen and supporters were involved in the parade, the first to be held in Derry since 2005.

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