An attempted murder investigation is underway after a petrol bomb was 'directly thrown' at a police officer in Derry.
The police say the officer was with colleagues who responded to a fire in the St. Cecilia’s Walk area, which had been reported shortly before 11am.
It's understood when officers were at the scene a number of young people gathered and threw stones at them.
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As police remained to secure the scene throughout the afternoon, a petrol bomb, which had been lit, was directly thrown at an officer.
Superintendent Clive Beatty said: "Our colleague was one of several of our officers who had responded to the fire, and was working to keep people safe when he was targeted in such a senseless manner.
"Thankfully, he acted quickly and prevented serious injury by deflecting the petrol bomb away from his body.
"He sustained an injury to his hand in doing so, however, he was able to remain on duty and continue to serve our community.
"What happened is unacceptable. No one should go to work and be placed in such a dangerous situation. Were it not for his quick reaction, the consequences could have resulted in serious injury, or worse."
Detectives from Criminal Investigation Branch are leading the investigation into both the fire at the property, which has been ruled as deliberate, and into the subsequent disorder and attack on the officer.
Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery said: “We are treating this horrific attack on our colleague as attempted murder, and I have a number of appeals to make as part of our investigation into the incident, the fire and subsequent disorder.
"In relation to the house fire, this was reported to us at around 10.45am yesterday. The property was vacant at the time and, thanks to the work of NIFRS, the blaze was prevented from spreading to neighbouring properties.
"There were no reports of any injuries. This incident is being investigated as arson. If you were in the area at around this time, and you have information in relation to what happened, tell us.
"If you were in the area yesterday and captured or witnessed what happened in St. Cecilia's Walk and the attempted murder of our officer, contact us."
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Pádraig Delargy condemned the attack on the police officer.
Pádraig Delargy said: “The petrol bomb attack last night on a police officer in the Creggan area was disgraceful and I utterly condemn it.
“The officer sustained an injury to his hand, but we could have been facing a very different scenario.
“Those behind this reckless attack have shown a callous disregard for the entire community.
“I appeal for anyone with information on this attack to report it to the police.”
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