Northern Ireland

Three charged after fireworks 'thrown at churchgoers' in Magherafelt

The incident happened during a Remembrance Sunday service in Magherafelt
The incident happened during a Remembrance Sunday service in Magherafelt The incident happened during a Remembrance Sunday service in Magherafelt

THREE young people including a 16-year-old girl were charged yesterday after reports that fireworks were thrown at churchgoers in Co Derry.

It happened during a Remembrance Sunday service at a church on Union Road in Magherafelt on Sunday night.

Police said those involved also "attempted to damage police vehicles and assault officers".

In a post on Facebook, they said that as well as the risk of injuries, "the sheer disrespect and thoughtlessness is galling".

A 16-year-old girl was charged with assaulting police and is due to appear at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on December 3.

A 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were charged with assault on police, criminal damage, attempted criminal damage and resisting arrest.

They are due to appear at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on December 5.

The DUP's Keith Buchanan, an MLA for Mid Ulster, described the incident as "senseless".

"Individuals involved chose Remembrance Sunday, a day which many from across the community gathered at churches and war memorials to pay their respects," he said.

"The disrespect shown by the culprits is beyond comprehension and negatively taints our town, on an otherwise dignified day."