Serious “sectarian clashes” involving young people carrying sticks and bats at sports pitches in Derry have been condemned, amid fears of escalation ahead of the summer months.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan was speaking to The Irish News following clashes at Lisnagelvin pitches in the Waterside area of the city on Wednesday evening.
Police say “approximately 15-20 youths” had congregated in the area with some reportedly masked and carrying sticks and bats.
Mr Durkan said: “These clashes are sectarian in nature. Tensions have been simmering for some time and there have been a few, highly publicised flashpoints.
“There is a fear now, coming in to the summer, that there could be an increase in the frequency and intensity of these clashes. We don’t want this to happen anywhere and there is a piece of work to be done there around reducing tension.
“I see a role for organisations with positive influence on young people in the area to be involved in that.”
In a social media post, the Foyle MLA said there have been a number of incidents in the area over recent months.
“Residents have been dealing with months of heartache and headache with ongoing anti-social behaviour,” he added. “This is having a serious impact on those living nearby, especially older residents and those with young children.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received reports in relation to anti-social behaviour in the Waterside on Wednesday evening, 22 April.
“Just after 6pm, it was reported there were two large groups of young people – described as teenage boys – some of whom were masked and were throwing stones at each other. Some were carrying what was described as sticks and bats. One of the reports stated these youths were seen running towards Lisnagelvin Playing Fields.
“Police responded, and upon arrival in the area, there were approximately 15-20 youths who had congregated, and were standing opposite the Lisnagelvin pitches. Those who had gathered subsequently made off when police arrived.”
The statement continued: “Police continued to extensively patrol the area, but did not locate any of those who they had seen earlier, or any further large groups.
“There were further reports made to police from between 9.30pm and 9.45pm. These reported youths congregating in the same area, some carrying wooden planks. There was a report about a possible organised fight.
“Police responded, and upon arrival, there were approximately 15-20 males, however they dispersed and left the area.
“Police remained in the area to provide reassurance and there were no further reports following this.”
The spokesperson added: “Waterside Neighbourhood officers will be in the area, conducting high visibility reassurance patrols and, in the meantime, police encourage anyone with information or relevant footage in relation to what was reported on Wednesday evening to report it via 101, quoting reference 1301 22/04/26.
“Alternatively, a report to police can be made via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”