Twenty four petrol bombs and six paint bombs were thrown during disorder in the Bogside area of Londonderry last night (Monday 12 August).
The trouble, involving around 30 to 40 people, occurred around the City Walls in Derry.
Police patrols came under attack from youths throwing missiles including bricks and bottles.
A small barricade was also erected and burned at Fahan Street.
A laser pen was shone at a PSNI helicopter, endangering both the crew and local residents.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said this is the third night that the people of Londonderry have had to put up with unwanted disorder and destruction.
“No one wants to see these despicable scenes on our streets,” he said.
“Some of the those involved in last night’s trouble were extremely young teenagers and I have no doubt that this disorder is being orchestrated by much older people and that these youths are being used to attack police and significant symbolic sites around our City Walls,” he said.
And he is asking those with influence within the community to use that influence positively and help dissuade young people from participating in public disorder.
“It must be made clear to them that they are risking their safety and that of others, as well as running the risk of a criminal conviction which could have a long lasting impact on their future prospects.
“We have gathered a significant amount of evidence over recent days and I am confident that arrests will follow. Anyone with information that could assist police can contact us by calling 101,” he added.