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Police deny 'heavy handed' claims Police deny 'heavy handed' claims
(about 2 hours later)
Police have rejected claims by Sinn Fein that its officers were heavy handed during rioting in Londonderry.Police have rejected claims by Sinn Fein that its officers were heavy handed during rioting in Londonderry.
At least five officers and one civilian were hurt when fencing, paving stones and bottles were thrown during violence on Shipquay Street early on Sunday.At least five officers and one civilian were hurt when fencing, paving stones and bottles were thrown during violence on Shipquay Street early on Sunday.
Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was also damaged in a BBC marquee. One man, who was arrested, has been released on bail.Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was also damaged in a BBC marquee. One man, who was arrested, has been released on bail.
Sinn Fein want the Police Ombudsman's Office to investigate the trouble.Sinn Fein want the Police Ombudsman's Office to investigate the trouble.
Local assembly member Martina Anderson said her party had been contacted by parents who claimed police had "assaulted" their children.Local assembly member Martina Anderson said her party had been contacted by parents who claimed police had "assaulted" their children.
"The common belief is that a relatively minor scuffle between two individuals spiralled out of control following the intervention of a large number of PSNI personnel," she said."The common belief is that a relatively minor scuffle between two individuals spiralled out of control following the intervention of a large number of PSNI personnel," she said.
Ms Anderson said that she condemned the rioting in the city, but "would not condone excessive force by the PSNI".Ms Anderson said that she condemned the rioting in the city, but "would not condone excessive force by the PSNI".
In a statement, police said they had acted in a "professional and proportionate manner". Whatever's happened here, whatever the police or perceived to have done or not done, can never justify what we saw here on Sunday morning Chief Inspector Chris Yates
"Police were carrying out routine nightlife patrols in the area when a large crowd became hostile and threw missiles," it said. However, Chief Inspector Chris Yates said police run an operation in Derry city centre every Friday and Saturday night to stop assaults.
"Nightlife patrols are carried out mainly by foot patrol officers in normal uniform, and take place in order to help ensure that those who have been enjoying the city's night-time-time economy are able to return home safely." "This operation's been very successful over previous years and has reduced city centre assaults by over 50%," CI Yates said.
He said the officers were in the area "to stop fights and if they see a fight they're bound to intervene.
"Whatever's happened here, whatever the police or perceived to have done or not done, can never justify what we saw here on Sunday morning," he added.
"Bricks, bottles and paving slabs and fencing panels being thrown at police and thousands of pounds worth of damage done to property."
Foyle DUP MLA William Hay said it was unacceptable behaviour.Foyle DUP MLA William Hay said it was unacceptable behaviour.
"Every right thinking person across the city, irrespective of where they live, would condemn this," he said."Every right thinking person across the city, irrespective of where they live, would condemn this," he said.
"Everybody believes we left this behind us and the city centre can be shared... there can be no excuse for it.""Everybody believes we left this behind us and the city centre can be shared... there can be no excuse for it."
Police are examining CCTV footage of the disturbances.Police are examining CCTV footage of the disturbances.