Shots Fired At Police In L'Derry

A number of shots have been fired at police in L'Derry.

At least six shots were fired at officers close to the city walls in the Bogside area during a fourth consecutive night of disorder on Tuesday, 10 July.

In addition around 16 petrol bombs and five paint bombs were thrown at police.

Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said the incident can only be described as a "blatant bid to murder police officers".

"We believe that around six shots were fired striking the walls and nearby trees, however fortunately none of our officers were injured," he said.

"Police officers should not be targeted under any circumstances and their lives should not be put in danger by simply doing their jobs, attempting to keep people safe.

"I am appealing to those with influence in the area to please assist us in trying to bring this unnecessary and unwanted violence to an end. This isn't wanted by the community and those involved are urged to cease this activity immediately."

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan said the people of L'Derry have made it clear that they are "completely opposed to the violence that has been taking place in the Bogside and Fountain areas this week".

"For an armed group to seek to exploit and escalate that is disgraceful," she said.

"Earlier this week, we had dissidents denying involvement in orchestrating the trouble but now we see shots being fired and people are rightly asking who else would be responsible for that?

"Earlier this week, we had dissidents denying involvement in orchestrating the trouble but now we see shots being fired and people are rightly asking who else would be responsible for that."

Alliance Leader Naomi Long also condemned the violence.

"The entire community, both in Derry-Londonderry and wider afield, needs to stand together against those dissident republicans who are exploiting sectarian divisions to create tension and cause confrontation with the PSNI," she said.

(LM)