Several arrested as sectarian clashes erupt in Northern Ireland
Sectarian violence flared up Saturday in Londonderry as Protestants continued their annual marching season in this predominantly Catholic city in Northern Ireland.
Violence erupted earlier in the day in the city — also known as Derry to some residents — when masked youths attacked police vehicles with petrol bombs and a pipe bomb, setting fire to and hijacking a number of vehicles.
The clashes followed the annual Apprentice Boys’ parade, when about 10,000 Protestants marched in remembrance of the 1689 anniversary of the siege of Derry by England’s Catholic ruler James II.
Police said protesters hurled several dozen petrol bombs early Saturday and a mail van was later hijacked and set on fire as the main parade started.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland warned members of the public to avoid the area.