Authorities in Londonderry are investigating a public disorder incident that occurred on Friday night in which police officers came under attack. According to BBC News, the incident took place during an ongoing policing operation in the Creevagh Heights area, where young people—some wearing masks and carrying weapons—threw stones and bottles at officers, damaging two police vehicles in the process.
No injuries were sustained during the confrontation, and the crowds dispersed around 23:30 BST. Superintendent Claire Hamilton outlined the police response and wider concerns about the pattern of such incidents.
This latest disorder adds to a series of similar incidents in the region. In September 2026, police were attacked with petrol bombs during orchestrated disorder involving up to 50 masked people in Londonderry's Waterside area, with officers coming under sustained assault after the group blocked roads and engaged in violence lasting three hours. Earlier in May 2026, three boys aged 9, 12, and 13 were detained after masked youths attacked vehicles and threw petrol bombs in Londonderry, prompting ongoing police investigations.
What is the police investigation focusing on?
Superintendent Hamilton confirmed that an investigation has been launched into Friday night's incident.
An investigation has been launched, and evidence gathered last night will be reviewed in order to identify those involved.Officers are examining the evidence collected during the disorder to establish the identities of the perpetrators.
Why is this behaviour considered particularly serious?
The superintendent emphasised the gravity of attacking officers during their duties.
This is completely unacceptable behaviour - attacking officers while they're performing duties to protect the public – and we know it is not welcomed by the wider community.She stressed that such attacks undermine public safety efforts and place officers at risk while they work to protect communities.
How is police engaging with the community?
Police are maintaining dialogue with local representatives to address the underlying issues driving such incidents.
Our engagement with local representatives around these issues is ongoing as we work to keep everyone safe, including our own officers who continually put themselves in harm's way to protect the community.This engagement reflects broader efforts to tackle the root causes of disorder and prevent future incidents.
The incident reflects a pattern of disorder in the region. In July 2026, a community meeting in west Belfast heard that criminal elements were encouraging young people into disorder, with police attacked and vehicles damaged, indicating that organised efforts may be behind some of these incidents.
Key Facts
- Two police vehicles were damaged during the Friday night incident in Creevagh Heights
- Young people, some masked and armed with weapons, threw stones and bottles at officers
- No injuries were reported and crowds dispersed at approximately 23:30 BST
- Police are reviewing evidence to identify those responsible for the disorder
- This incident is part of a pattern of attacks on police in the Londonderry area in recent months
