Police responded to reports of two groups of teenage boys throwing stones at each other in Derry's Waterside area on April 22. The calls came just after 6pm. Some boys wore masks and carried sticks and bats. Witnesses saw the groups run toward Lisnagelvin Playing Fields.

Officers arrived to find 15 to 20 youths standing opposite the pitches. The group left as police approached. Patrols continued in the area with no further large gatherings located.

Between 9.30pm and 9.45pm, more reports came in of youths in the same spot carrying wooden planks. One call mentioned a possible organised fight. Police found 15 to 20 males there who then dispersed.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan learned of the clashes that evening. He pointed to months of anti-social behaviour in the area impacting older residents and families with children.

Durkan raised concerns about risks of serious injuries to the youths or bystanders. He contacted PSNI and the council to secure the site and close access at Gelvin Grange.

Durkan stated residents deserve to feel safe in their homes. PSNI Waterside officers planned high visibility patrols for reassurance.