24/05/2026
Out of Control: Violence, Drinking and Disorder in Derry City Centre
Chaos unfolded in Waterloo Place on Friday evening as violence, street drinking and disorder turned the city centre into the scene of multiple brawls.
Large crowds of young people gathered in the area throughout the evening before fights broke out in the middle of the street.
Violent confrontations erupted between young people and street drinkers, with punches thrown and individuals pulled by the hair during the ordeal.
During one incident, a young person was struck over the head with a glass bottle as violence escalated in front of crowds nearby.
One street drinker was also knocked to the ground during the fighting.
Police later arrived in significant numbers in Waterloo Place after several violent incidents had already unfolded in the area.
Discarded needles could also be seen nearby, with children and families in the area.
Some arrests were made.
For many in the city, scenes like these are becoming an increasingly unfortunate reality in recent times.
