Public urged to avoid Creggan area after petrol bombs thrown at media

The public has been urged to avoid the Creggan area of Londonderry after petrol bombs were thrown at members of the media following a dissident march to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Police have also said that a van has been set on fire following the event.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings, and a drone issued a warning to those assembled that it was an unnotified parade.

A number of young people with masks covering their faces attended the parade carrying crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry.

Media came under attack following the march, with a number of petrol bombs thrown.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We would ask drivers to avoid Central Drive and the surrounding area in Creggan where there are a number of people with petrol bombs in the area, and a van has been set on fire.”

In terms of the attacks on media, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are aware of commentary on social media in relation to petrol bombs being thrown at media in Creggan this afternoon.

“Footage obtained will be reviewed. We would appeal to any journalist who was attacked, or anyone who witnessed any attack or who captured footage to report it to police on 101 or make a report online at www.psni.police.uk/report.”

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year with petrol bombs and other missiles.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

Most parades were lawful and passed without incident.