There are reports of children as young as six and seven being involved in violence against police in Derry last night.
The disorder unfolded following the discovery of a suspicious device in the Creggan area, which later turned out to be an elaborate hoax.
Police had been in the area yesterday afternoon dealing with a sudden death in Magowan Park. As officers were conducting enquiries in relation to this, they discovered the suspicious device.
A public safety operation was implemented with cordons put in place, however, up until around midnight, there was disorder with paint and petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks being thrown at police. Some of those involved were children. Those involved in the disorder dispersed around midnight.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
Derry City & Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: “The disorder that developed was utterly senseless. That disorder occurred as officers were dealing with such a sensitive incident is shameful.
“It also serves to damage local communities and divert our resources away from dealing with the things that matter most.
“There are reports of children as young as six and seven years old being involved. This is child criminal exploitation.
“We know from the work our officers do on a daily basis, what happened last night will have provoked anger in the local community and wider area.”
While damage was caused to police vehicles, no injuries to police officers have been reported at this time.
