Violence in Londonderry that left ten police officers injured was most likely orchestrated by dissident republicans, the city’s MP has said.

Petrol bombs, fireworks and stones were thrown by nationalist youths at police lines during several hours of trouble in Nailors Row on Saturday evening.

“This was recreational rioting orchestrated probably by dissident republicans,” Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader, Colum Eastwood said.

The trouble followed a major police operation in the city surrounding the annual Apprentice Boys’ Relief of Derry parade, which passed off without incident.

Up to 50 young people were involved and some of those taking part in the disorder appeared to be young boys.

A 46-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour following the trouble and is expected to appear in court in September.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Mr Eastwood said he was saddened to see footage of the trouble which appeared to show “young children with petrol bombs in their hands and attacking police officers”.

“I was also extremely angry at the people who put them in that position,” he said

“These things don’t happen by accident, I am sure the people orchestrating it were at a very safe distance.”

He said those behind the violence had nothing to offer and described encouraging children to attack police as child abuse.

“It is absolutely child abuse,” he said. “I don’t think there is any other description that could be used for putting a lethal weapon in a child’s hand and asking them to take on a police force that is heavily armed and heavily protected.

“It is just astonishing that anybody would think that is a good idea or that that serves any cause whatsoever.”

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA for Foyle, Gary Middleton, said his thoughts were with the injured officers.

He also voiced concern at the young age of many of those who took part in the violence.

“It is deeply disappointing and concerning there is another generation of young people being infected with this type of activity,” he told BBC Radio Ulster.

The city’s Mayor Lillian Seenoi-Barr said it was distressing to see police come under attack.

“The officers who were on our streets on Saturday were there to protect and serve the local community and it’s an absolute disgrace that they were targeted in this way,” she said.

Saturday’s violence broke out near Alexander House, sheltered accommodation that provides support for elderly and vulnerable people.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said the violence would have been “very frightening for the residents, never mind the police”.

She said there “is no place for hate on our streets”.

“Whoever is behind this needs to explain to the community what the purpose was, what the intent was,” she added.

On Sunday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable Jon Boutcher condemned both trouble associated with recent anti-immigration protests and the violent clashes on Saturday in Derry.

In his statement, Mr Boutcher said: “I want to be very clear, this would not be acceptable elsewhere and it is not acceptable here.”

He said he would be seeking the maximum sentences against those convicted of attacking police.

“We will not simply stand here and accept this,” Mr Boutcher said.