DERRY – Violent disorder erupted during an Easter Monday parade in Derry, drawing widespread condemnation and prompting police action under terrorism legislation.
The event, intended to be a commemorative procession, spiralled into chaos as petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry were hurled at officers monitoring the parade. The procession had started in Creggan and moved towards Free Derry Corner in the Bogside.
What was billed as a solemn Easter tribute turned into an afternoon of disorder and danger. Many participants were masked and clad in what appeared to be paramilitary-style clothing, potentially breaching the Parades Commission’s guidelines.
“Despite the claim by organisers of the Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite,” said Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, PSNI Area Commander for Derry City & Strabane.
She confirmed that masked individuals were visible throughout the event, from the parade’s outset to its dispersal point on Lecky Road.
“As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm,” she added.
The violence resulted in the temporary closure of Bishop Street (Without) to protect public safety. Police diverted members of the public away from the historic City Walls area amid escalating tension.
“Petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry were thrown, which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls,” Chief Supt Kearney confirmed.
Of particular concern was the involvement of young people in the disturbance. According to police, those orchestrating the violence deliberately used children as a diversionary tactic.
“This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this,” said Chief Supt Kearney.
“Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph’s Place to change out of their parade clothing. This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.”
In the aftermath, PSNI officers intercepted two vehicles—one on France Street, the other on Fanad Drive. Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under the Terrorism Act.
They were taken to Musgrave Street Station in Belfast for questioning. One of the vehicles, a van, was seized along with several items found inside.
The disorder at Derry’s Easter Monday parade has left the city reeling. What was intended as a commemorative gathering instead ignited fear and outrage, with masked individuals, violent disruption, and child exploitation at its core. The PSNI’s swift response and ongoing investigation underline the seriousness of the situation. As arrests are made and evidence examined, the hope remains that those responsible will be held accountable—and that future commemorations do not descend into lawlessness.
