Derry violence orchesterdated by dissident republics, MP says

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Mr Eastwood said he was saddened to see footage of the trouble which appeared to show “young children with petrol bombs in their hands and attacking police officers”.

“I was also extremely angry at the people who put them in that position,” he said

“These things don’t happen by accident, I am sure the people orchestrating it were at a very safe distance.”

He said those behind the violence had nothing to offer and described encouraging children to attack police as child abuse.

“It is absolutely child abuse,” he said.

“I don’t think there is any other description that could be used for putting a lethal weapon in a child’s hand and asking them to take on a police force that is heavily armed and heavily protected.

“It is just astonishing that anybody would think that is a good idea or that that serves any cause whatsoever.”