Officers on patrol in Rockview in Moneymore were attacked with bricks, stones, eggs and fireworks on Wednesday night.
Older people walking to the nearby shop were targeted by thugs firing rockets horizontally. The shop and petrol station had to close early.
Police say fireworks were also aimed at cars, and that a small number of adults were encouraging children as young as 7/8 to attack police.
“Firing rockets into a petrol station forecourt is a whole new level of stupid,” said a spokesperson.
“We know it was a small collection of individuals as well as outsiders who came in with the intent of causing trouble, although it was pathetic seeing a small number of adults goading kids as young as seven and eight into attacking police.”
Now the PSNI is asking parents to take control and responsibility of their children.
“Large numbers of kids and teenagers setting off fireworks at random is a recipe for serious injury or worse.
“When an officer is out on patrol their own safety and that of his/her colleague is the number one priority above everything else. So when someone steps out of an alleyway, dressed in black with head and face covered and takes aim at police who are attending a call – as happened a number of times – split second decisions will be made based on the perceived threat to the officers. It really doesn’t take a genius to work out how that has the potential to pan out,” added the spokesperson.
They say if a large crowd descends on officers, they will protect themselves and each other, using batons or CS Spray.
“The messages of support we’ve received from residents is very encouraging and well done to the parents who got their kids offside and away from trouble,” added the spokesperson.