Violence broke out once again on the streets of Northern Ireland, despite calls for calm.
A car was set on fire in Sperrin Park, in the Waterside area of Derry, while there were also reports of violent incidents in Carrickfergus, near Belfast. Both sites have been the scene of violence and unrest among the legal community for the past few days.
Previously, the Northern Ireland Police Service (PSNI) called on community leaders to end the disorder that has occurred for much of last week.
On Sunday night, five police officers were injured after being hit with gas stations and masonry in Belfast, bringing the total number of police officers injured in incidents in Derry and Belfast to Easter weekend to 32.
Over the past week, tensions in predominantly unionist communities have turned into violent incidents, with petrol bombs being thrown at PSNI policemen and dumpsters and pallets on fire.
Speaking on Monday, PSNI Ch Supt Davy Beck said the police are ready for another night of unrest, but asked community leaders to end this.
He said: “Right now, while we are talking, my policemen are in these areas, they are working hard to provide these police services. Whether in relation to crime, in terms of traffic safety, or in terms of other community concerns.
“We are there and we are doing this. I will have additional resources available and will respond to anything that may occur.
“But there is an opportunity to stop this. This need not be a third night of trouble in the Cloughfern and Newtownabbey / Carrickfergus area. I would encourage people with influence in these communities to put an end to this. “
Ch Supt Davy said the attacks were “clearly orchestrated”. He added: “I believe that there is a small group of dissatisfied criminal elements who are clearly involved in influencing young people, and I would appeal to young people in these areas not to allow this to happen.
“I think it is also fair to say that this is probably not a coincidence. We have been successful in this area with respect to some of these criminal gangs. So I think that maybe it was a reaction from some of those people who are involved in crime. “
Asked if he thought the South Antrim UDA was behind the attacks, he replied: “As I said, I believe this is a group of dissatisfied criminal gangs and we will investigate it.”
On Monday night, a legalized masked band marched through the streets of Portadown, playing drums, flutes and waving flags. Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd condemned the march, which he said was intended to intimidate the local community.
A similar march took place at Markethill on Monday. The question arises as to whether the Parade Commission has been notified of these events, as required by law.
Children as young as 12 were involved in some of the weekend incidents, police said.
Tensions have increased within the loyal community in recent months over post-Brexit trade deals, which allegedly created barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
The rage grew even more last week after a controversial decision not to prosecute 24 Sinn Féin politicians for attending a large-scale Republican funeral during Covid-19 restrictions.
All the major trade union parties have demanded the resignation of PSNI police chief Simon Byrne, claiming that he has lost the trust of his community.
Meanwhile, in Antrim County, a recent series of drug seizures against the UDA in southeastern Antrim – a renegade faction from the main grouping – has caused special unease with the police. The faction is believed to be behind the riots in Newtownabbey on Saturday.