Man injured in anti-interment clash in Derry

A man suffered a serious head injury following disturbances linked to an anti-internment bonfire in Co Derry, it was revealed today.

Iron bars, wooden batons and sticks were confiscated by officers and four people arrested in the Heights area of Coleraine last night.

Six people were treated for injuries and two are still in hospital.

Police released one person detained pending reports and charged two others, one with disorderly behaviour, the other with possession of an offensive weapon. The fourth remains in custody.

Police chief inspector Nicky Thompson appealed for calm and said officers would be monitoring the situation.

“It is time that people showed more respect for their neighbours and time that the small minority who seem intent on creating trouble sought out new and peaceful ways of resolving their differences.”

He called for those with influence to help prevent further trouble.