Published Monday, 20 August 2012
The remains of a car which was burnt out. (© UTV)
Officers were called to the Ardowen area of the Co Armagh town shortly before 1am on Sunday following reports of suspicious activity.
A large crowd threw missiles at them - no injuries have been reported.
Then at around 3am a Vauxhall Astra car was hijacked and set alight in the Monbrief East Road area.
The vehicle was completely destroyed.
The crowd dispersed before 4am, however police remained in the area for a time to monitor the situation.
Craigavon mayor, Cllr Carla Lockhart said the people engaged in rioting do not speak for the people of Craigavon.
"It is widely known that the majority of people want to get on with their lives, live peaceably and not be subjected to this thuggish and violent behavior," she said.
"This violence does not help move Craigavon forward rather it damages the area.
"Those who involve themselves in this rioting are damaging their own communities and are not supported by the wider public. As Mayor I have the opportunity to see the fantastic work that is happening within the Borough, this is what people want reported on not this unacceptable behaviour by a minority grouping".
She added: "I urge anyone who has information about the instigators of this violence to bring it to the police. I don't blame the young people who were rioting, I blame those faceless individuals who were manipulating the young people".
Cllr Lockhart paid tribute the police's handling of the incident.
Anyone with information on what happened is asked to contact the PSNI in Lurgan on 0845 600 8000.