Police say van set on fire in Creggan area

Police advised drivers to avoid the area after trouble broke out
Author: Chris BrennanPublished 1st Apr 2024
Last updated 1st Apr 2024

Police are advising drivers to avoid the Central Drive and surrounding area of Derry's Creggan.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said on Monday afternoon there are a number of people with petrol bombs and a van has been set on fire.

Earlier a march to mark the Easter Rising's anniversary passed off without major incident.

Earlier a march to mark the Easter Rising's anniversary passed off without major incident.

The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the City Cemetery.

There was a colour party made up of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags.

Wreaths were laid at the republican plot at the City Cemetery and an oration was delivered.

A police helicopter was in the skies throughout proceedings, and a drone issued a warning to those assembled that it was an unnotified parade.

Media came under attack following the march, with a number of petrol bombs thrown.

A PSNI spokesperson said there are a number of people with petrol bombs and a van's been set on fire

Police on the ground were attacked at the same event last year with petrol bombs and other missiles.

Groups marched in west Belfast and other areas in Northern Ireland across the Easter weekend as part of an annual public marking of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising against the then-British rule across the island of Ireland.

Most parades were lawful and also passed without incident.