Police in Derry claim rioters tried to murder them last night amid 12th of July violence

For the sixth night in a row, Derry was met with violent rioting amid the 12th of July, with PSNI officers claiming that rioters tried to kill them last night.

Last night, the center of rioting was in the Bogside, a historically nationalist neighborhood in the city, where officers felt that they were under a “prolonged and sustained attack”. In total, 74 petrol bombs were thrown, with two IEDs (Improvised Explosives) being directed at police officers.

Dissident republicans 'orchestrating' attacks on police in Derry, the PSNI sayshttps://t.co/WEhR4nxwFM pic.twitter.com/k0HJ0jBD5v

— The Irish News (@irish_news) July 13, 2018

According to The Journal, Three people were arrested amid the unrest after loyalist marches took place throughout the city.

Superintendent Gordon McCalmont stated: “I am saddened, disheartened and frustrated that yet again police officers committed to keeping this local community safe have been attacked by a small number of people within it.

Police fired plastic baton rounds during a 6th consecutive night of disturbances in Londonderry last night.

74 petrol bombs and 2 improvised explosive devices were thrown at officers, as makeshift barricades were also set on fire on a number of roads https://t.co/RRwxHkHnL6

— Siobhán Fenton (@SiobhanFenton) July 13, 2018

“During this reckless disorder four AEP rounds were fired by my colleagues and we have arrested three males, aged 18 and 22 years old and aged approximately 50 years old. The 22-year-old had been arrested for attempted murder.

“While we have seen many young people involved in these attacks over the last number of nights, it is clear that this is being orchestrated by a more sinister, adult, violent dissident republican element.”

Chief Constable George Hamilton briefs the media following a sixth night of disorder in Derry/Londonderry. pic.twitter.com/IHVZy35K37

— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) July 13, 2018

Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle, Karen Mullen, stated that the unrest had also featured a number of children taking part in what she called “anti-community behavior”, which has been going on for recent weeks.

“We have now seen those children being used for dissidents to hide behind and bring weapons back on to the streets of Derry,” Mullen said when speaking with RTE.

Read More: Nationalists in Derry's Bogside threw 25 petrol bombs overnight