Some 20 police officers injured in riots and disturbances across Northern Ireland in past week

A total of 20 police officers have been injured in a number of violent incidents in the last week in Northern Ireland, the police chief has said.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher slammed the “despicable scenes” which has erupted across the north in recent days.

It comes as attacks on police officers during disorder in Derry on Saturday were widely condemned.

Ten police officers were injured.

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Fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown by youths at police lines in Nailors Row in the city, with some residents having to leave their homes as a result of the violence.

The chief constable vowed to “relentlessly pursue” people who carry out “senseless acts of violence”.

After the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry parade passed without incident on Saturday, fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown by youths at police lines in the Nailors Row area of the city.

So far, a 46-year-old man has been charged over the disorder in Derry.

The First and deputy First Ministers, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, said the “unacceptable” incidents were rejected by the vast majority of the community.

“They are disgraceful manifestations of criminality and have absolutely no justification,” they said.

“Our thoughts are with those PSNI officers injured last night and the victims of recent racist attacks.

“This senseless violence and intimidation has no place in our society and we would appeal for calm.”

On Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was concerned by the violence against PSNI officers.

“I join all political parties, the first and deputy first minister and all leaders in calling for immediate halt to violence,” he said.

“Any attack on a police officer is an attack on democracy and our freedom.”

Secretary of State Hilary Benn, added that he was “appalled” by the attacks against officers.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long praised the officers on the front line and described the scenes as “disgraceful, dangerous and senseless”.

“It is particularly concerning that, yet again, children and young people are being exploited and abused by being drawn into attacks and rioting, risking their safety and their futures,” she said.

“I would urge all involved, including those young people who are being manipulated, to seriously consider the impact of their actions on themselves and their community and walk away from any further disorder.”

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood, said: “This is disgusting. And putting children in this position is nothing short of child abuse.

“Derry, resolutely, opposes this senseless violence.”

Mr Boutcher also warned that those involved in the “despicable scenes” to frighten communities and incite hatred should expect further arrests.

“All of our communities, that’s everyone across society in Northern Ireland, needs to call out this intimidation and violence. We will not tolerate it,” he said.

“These officers have my absolute respect and support. They are outstanding. That support needs to be society wide. It is not acceptable to assault or attack police officers.

“I will be seeking the maximum sentences against those convicted of such attacks. We will not simply stand here and accept this.”

Since the start of the disorder last Saturday, he said a total of 20 PSNI officers had been injured including those in Derry.

“Yet again these incredible officers maintained the highest levels of professionalism in the face of violence, with petrol bombs and masonry being repeatedly hurled at them for a sustained period of time,” he said.

Some of the injuries have resulted in hospitalisation, including one female officer suffering severe facial injuries and another officer with a broken leg.

Vowing to release images of “the minority who think they can get away with violent hatred of any kind,” he added: “You can’t, you won’t and we are coming after you.”

The Police Federation of Northern Ireland, which represents rank and file officers, described the scenes of young people rioting in Derry as “parental abdication”.

Chairman Liam Kelly said: “What we saw was PSNI vehicles being petrol bombed by children. “Officers absorbed a wave of attacks and followed a methodical approach in how they dealt with the onslaught.

“Children should not be taking part in street disturbances.

“Their parents have a responsibility to keep them safe and away from violent disorder. What I have to ask is where were their parents?”

“Why weren’t they taking their children away from the flashpoint where they could have been seriously hurt? What we witnessed on Saturday was parental abdication and that is appalling.

He added: “To our colleagues, I say well done for showing such professionalism and patience during hours of being targeted so viciously.”