Police have issued a statement after footage circulating on social media shows a teenager being arrested in Derry.
On Friday, March 7 at around 8.30pm, police received reports of "a number of people stealing materials from a building site" in the Foyle Road area.
Officers attended and warned people about their behaviour, when they were subjected to abuse. This led to the arrest of a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest. He was taken home to his parents and subsequently de-arrested.
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The police response to the incident has been criticised following a video of the arrest shared on social media. In a post, Republican Socialist Youth Movement North West said it was "deeply concerning."
A spokesperson said: "We are deeply concerned about the PSNI’s ongoing targeting of young republicans in Derry while turning a blind eye to similar activities within loyalist communities. Year after year, we witness heavy-handed policing tactics used against nationalist youths collecting bonfire materials, while loyalists are allowed to gather wood without interference.
"This blatant disparity in policing fuels tensions in our communities and undermines any claim of impartiality by the PSNI. Young people in nationalist areas are being harassed, intimidated, and criminalized for engaging in cultural traditions, while loyalists are given free rein to do the same."
In response, police said anybody with a complaint regarding police actions can contact the Police Ombudsman. In a statement, a spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Police received a report shortly before 8.30pm on Friday 7th March of a number of people stealing materials from a building site in the Foyle Road area of Derry.
"Officers attended and after warning a number of people about their behaviour were subjected to further abuse directed towards them resulting in the arrest of a 13 year old boy on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest. The boy was taken home to his parents and subsequently de-arrested. The matter will now be dealt with by the Youth Diversion officer.
"Anyone with a complaint about police actions can contact the office of the Police Ombudsman."
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