Violence condemned

Mayor Alan Carson said he commiserated with those who had lost vehicles “particularly when you do not get the full value of what the vehicle is worth”.

“This type of violence is something of the past. The Council has come a long way and will not tolerate this,” said the mayor.

He also praised Council staff who, he said, did a great job cleaning up the area after the violence.

SDLP Councillor Joe Nelson also condemned the violence.

“It is a small number of people who are engaged in this,” said Councillor Nelson adding that the community had gained strength after the murder of Constable Carroll “by sticking together and rooting these people out”.

DUP Councillor Stephen Moutray agreed that it was a small minority and the community wanted to move forward.

“It is incumbent on everyone with information to bring it forward,” he said.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Kenneth Twyble agreed with the sentiments.