“Child criminal exploitation” condemned after violent disorder at Derry Easter parade

Items seized by police.

Police in Derry/Londonderry have condemned the “shameless” exploitation of young people during violent disorder that marred an Easter Monday parade in the city, describing the events as a clear case of child criminal exploitation.

The unrest, which involved petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry being thrown, has prompted strong criticism from authorities and led to the arrest of two men under the Terrorism Act.

Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, spoke out after the parade, which was intended as a dignified commemoration but descended into disorder.

“This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful,” she said, highlighting the deliberate use of young people to shield masked individuals involved in the disorder. “This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this.”

The parade, which took place in Derry/Londonderry, saw masked participants breach a Parades Commission determination from the outset, according to police.

As the procession moved towards its dispersal point on Lecky Road, violence erupted around 2:50pm in the Nailors Row area. Petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry were hurled, forcing the temporary closure of nearby Bishop Street (Without) for public safety.

Members of the public were diverted away from the City Walls area as police worked to restore order.

Chief Superintendent Kearney revealed that young people were manipulated to create a distraction, allowing masked individuals to take cover in a gazebo near St. Joseph’s Place to change out of their parade clothing.

“Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals,” she said. “Despite the claim by organisers of today’s Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite.”

In response to the violence, police launched a proactive operation, stopping two vehicles—one in the Frances Street area and another in the Fanad Drive area. Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under the Terrorism Act and taken to Musgrave Street Station for questioning.

A van was seized, along with a number of items, though police have not yet disclosed the nature of the seized materials.

The disorder has raised renewed concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young people in orchestrated acts of violence.

Chief Superintendent Kearney added: "This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful." she added.