PSNI Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said that despite parade organisers’ claims that they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, “what we saw was the complete opposite”.
"From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination,” she added.
"As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm.
"Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.
Items seized by police after an easter parade in derry
"This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this.
"Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing.
"This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful."
Chief Superintendent Kearney said two vehicles – one in the Frances Street area and another in the Fanad Drive area – were stopped following the parade as part of a proactive policing operation resulting in two suspects being detained.
“Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under The Terrorism Act and have been taken to Musgrave Street Station for questioning,” she continued.
“One of the vehicles stopped (a van) was seized.
"A number of items were also seized.”
Around 150 people had gathered in Derry as the parade takes place in the city on Monday afternoon.
The parade has previously been billed as the ‘Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration’, and left the Creggan shops at 2pm, ending at a New IRA monument in the Bogside.
Images from the parade in Derry showed a masked colour party leading those taking part in the parade.
There were also young people alongside the parade, some who had petrol bombs. One young person was seen with a shopping trolley full of the objects.
Masked colour party leads new IRA parade through Derry
Before the parade set off, masked youths also gathered at the Creggan shops.
Large groups of young people were also seen heading in the direction of the Derry Walls, with some throwing petrol bombs at police and gathering beside homes belonging to the elderly.
Some fireworks were also lit by the young people involved.