POLICE came under a "sustained and senseless" attack in Derry’s Bogside as they attempted to deal with a suspect device which turned out to be a hoax.

Petrol bombs, paint bombs, bottles, masonry and other missiles were thrown at officers as they dealt with the device on the city’s Lecky Road Flyover on Sunday evening.

PSNI Derry district commander, Superintendent Clive Beatty said officers were called to the scene shortly after 6.40pm.

Army Technical Officers also attended and a number of homes were evacuated. The nearby Gasyard centre was opened to facilitate those evacuated from their homes.

The alert ended shortly before 11pm on Sunday.

Superintendent Beatty said: "Unfortunately, while in attendance, police came under sustained and senseless attack from a number of individuals armed with petrol bombs and paint bombs.

"These, along with masonry, bottles and other items, were thrown at officers while they worked to keep people safe and make the area safe.

"A significant number of vital police resources were required to maintain cordons to ensure public safety which detracted police from delivering key services to other victims and vulnerable people across the district."

The Derry police chief said the "shameful act" of placing a hoax device brought nothing to the community other than disruption and frustration.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell condemned the attack and called on community workers and politicians to react to the disorder.

He said the police and the public must be protected.