Police have appealed for calm after officers were attacked by a group of youths in Derry on Friday evening.

Superintendent Claire Hamilton said officers in the Creevagh Heights area came under attack from a number of youths who had gathered and made threats of violence. Some wore masks and were armed with weapons, while others had tins of paint and fireworks.

The youths threw items including stones and bottles, causing damage to two police vehicles. The Creevagh Road, country-bound, was closed for a time and the public was advised to avoid the area.

A public safety operation remained in place late into the night. Superintendent Hamilton described the behaviour as completely unacceptable and said it was not welcomed by the wider community.

She said officers were engaging with local community representatives and reiterated an appeal for calm.

No injuries were reported.