Van Torched After Tense Easter Rising March in Derry
A van was set ablaze following a fiery dissident march in Derry marking the anniversary of the Easter Rising. The chaos erupted in the Creggan area where tensions ran sky-high during the commemorative event.
Petrol Bombs Thrown, Police Warn Public to Stay Clear
Masked youths hurled petrol bombs at journalists covering the march, forcing police to warn locals to avoid the Creggan district. The event, organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, began in Central Drive before heading to the City Cemetery.
Paramilitary Style Parade Raises Eyebrows
A colour party, decked out in face coverings, sunglasses, and paramilitary-style clothing, marched carrying the Irish and various republican flags. At the republican plot in the cemetery, wreaths were laid and an oration delivered amid heavy police surveillance.
Hovering overhead was a police helicopter while a drone repeatedly warned the crowd that the parade was unnotified and illegal.
Violence Escalates as Dangerous Items Carried
Among the crowd, masked youths transported crates of petrol bombs and chunks of masonry, stoking fears of violence. Police noted that last year’s same event saw 123 attacks, including assaults with petrol bombs and other projectiles.
Police Condemn Unnotified Parade Despite Warnings
Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney confirmed police received an 11/1 report before the event but no notification of the unapproved parade on April 1st. Despite police engagement with organisers and drone warnings, the march went ahead, sparking disorder.
Most Easter Rising Marches Across Northern Ireland Pass Peacefully
While various groups marked the Easter Rising anniversary across Northern Ireland over the weekend, most parades followed legal guidelines and remained peaceful, avoiding the violent scenes seen in Derry’s Creggan.
