Violent clashes in Northern Ireland erupted over the weekend amid increasing tensions in a region historically plagued with sectarian violence.
A car was set alight in Sperrin Park in the Waterside area of Derry, while there were also reports of violent incidents in Carrickfergus, near Belfast. Both locations have been the scene of violence and unrest among the loyalist community in recent days.
Earlier; the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had appealed to community leaders to put a stop to the disorder; that has taken place throughout much of the last week.
On Sunday night; five police officers sustained injuries after being pelted with petrol bombs and masonry in Belfast, bringing the total number of police injured in incidents in Derry and Belfast over the Easter weekend to 32.
Tensions have soared within the loyalist community in recent months; over post-Brexit trading arrangements, which it is claimed have created barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Anger ramped up further last week; following a controversial decision not to prosecute 24 Sinn Féin politicians for attending a large-scale republican funeral during Covid-19 restrictions.
All the main unionist parties have demanded the resignation of PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne, claiming he has lost the confidence of their community.
Speaking about Friday’s incident, Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey said in a statement: “This evening; we have unfortunately seen running skirmishes between young people and the PSNI in the Sandy Row area following a protest; that was organized by loyalists against the protocol.”
“I appeal to the DUP and political unionism to show leadership, to end their dangerous rhetoric, and to ensure there is an urgent de-escalation of tensions,” Maskey added.