Police attackers caught in 'time warp'

The chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, says attacks on officers in Derry, Lurgan and Crumlin were the actions of desperate people locked in a time warp.

At least two petrol bombs were thrown at police in Derry yesterday afternoon.

Landrovers came under attack in the Creggan area after they moved into to warn those gathered for an 1916 Easter Rising commemoration organised by dissident republicans that no notification for the event had been received, making it illegal and that they were liable to prosecution.

A group of around a dozen youths also threw stones and bottles.

No one was injured.

Mr Lindsay said: "Two Officers were hurt in Lurgan, and one in Crumlin by people who have nothing but hate in their hearts. Their behaviour is wholly unacceptable.

"Those throwing petrol bombs and engaging in minor street disturbances think they are advancing some cause but the reality is they have nothing but empty rhetoric and outdated slogans to offer.

"The officers who were hurt today don't deserve this type of cowardly treatment.

“They are the same as the people they are trying to safeguard, and it is up to the entire community to stand up and say that this will no longer be tolerated.

"The dissident republicans who stir up trouble are desperate people locked in a time warp.

“They are not serving their cause one iota.”

He concluded: “All they are doing is delivering upset, inconvenience and misery to people who want to see the back of them."

A parade, led by men and women in paramilitary uniform (pictured), and commemoration in Derry City Cemetery passed off peacefully.