Story perspectives

Petrol Bomb Attacks in Londonderry’s Waterside Prompt Police Appeal

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Police in Londonderry’s Waterside district were attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry on 27 and 28 September 2026.
Police said the attacks diverted valuable resources and that youths were being manipulated into the violence.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney appealed for calm, saying the crowd was mostly young and masked.
DUP MLA Julie Middleton said workers were on site and children nine years old were encouraged to throw petrol bombs.

History

Historical Context

On 30 January 1972 British soldiers of the 1 Para regiment shot 26 unarmed civilians in Derry, killing 14, an event that sparked a surge in support for the Provisional IRA and deepened the Troubles. Prime Minister Edward Heath later ordered a tribunal, while the Widgery report was widely rejected. The September 2026 petrol-bomb attacks on police echo the unresolved grievances that began with Bloody Sunday.

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Story summary

Police in Londonderry’s Waterside district were attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry on 27 and 28 September 2026.
Police said the attacks diverted valuable resources and that youths were being manipulated into the violence.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney appealed for calm, saying the crowd was mostly young and masked.
DUP MLA Julie Middleton said workers were on site and children nine years old were encouraged to throw petrol bombs.

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