Children involved in Northern Ireland violence as police come under attack
Children as young as 12 were involved as violence flared during another night of disorder in parts of Northern Ireland, police said.
Officers came under attack and were pelted with petrol bombs in a night of violence in predominantly unionist estates in Londonderry.
The PSNI condemned "another night of senseless and reckless criminal behaviour" that began in the Waterside area of Derry at around 9pm.
Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "Again we saw our officers targeted, pelted with petrol bombs and masonry in the Dungiven Road area, where pallets were placed on the road and set alight.
"This saw the main road closed for a time, causing disruption for local drivers.
"Thankfully, last night none of our officers were injured as they worked to bring the disorder to an end.
"I will reiterate our disappointment that we had another night of senseless and reckless criminal behaviour that achieves nothing but cause damage to the community.
"It is also shocking that some of those involved in last night's disorder were children, some as young as 12 years old, along with others up to 18 years old and a mix of male and females.
"It is totally unacceptable, and it is crucial we send out a message to those responsible that such behaviour cannot be tolerated.
"People deserve to feel safe within their own homes and be able to walk the streets without fear."
Petrol bombs and bricks were also thrown at officers in loyalist areas in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus on Sunday night, with five police officers injured.
The PSNI said approximately 20 to 30 masked individuals set bins on fire near the Cloughfern roundabout in Newtownabbey.
When officers moved in to the area, four petrol bombs were thrown at them, leaving one officer with a leg injury.
Later in Carrickfergus, a crowd of up to 50 people gathered and 20 petrol bombs were pelted at police.
Four officers were injured after they were struck by objects. They sustained leg, foot and neck injuries.
The PSNI'S North Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Davy Beck, said: "There is absolutely no justification for the shameful scenes we have witnessed on our streets. This orchestrated violence is senseless and reckless.
"The disorder last night left five of our officers injured, officers who were on duty protecting life and property, and our thoughts are with them as they recover.
"A number of our vehicles were also damaged last night and that damage is being assessed today.
"In a time when we are asking everyone to pull together in a health crisis, the people orchestrating this violence and those carrying it out are working against their own community.
"To those who are involved in orchestrating this violence, and to those who are involved in it, stop. It is causing nothing but harm and distress to the local community.
"To those in our community with influence, I would urge you to use that influence so we do not see any further disgraceful scenes of violence on our streets, so we can ensure young people do not get caught up in criminality."
It was the second nightthat trouble broke out at Cloughfern roundabout although it was not prolonged.