Disorder flared in Derry after builders of an annual bonfire attacked police and members of the public.

Police said those gathered at the controversial fire site in the city’s Bogside area on Monday night threw rocks and stones at people before targeting police with petrol bombs and other missiles. No injuries were reported.

There are fears the violence could be repeated when the bonfire is lit on Tuesday night.

Gordon McCalmont, a Police Service of Northern Ireland superintendent, said: “This violent behaviour simply damages our communities, and cannot be tolerated.

“Tonight will see the lighting of the bonfire, and I would appeal to those in the community to use their influence to control the situation so that we do not have a repeat of last night’s behaviour.

“I would like to reassure the community that we will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible. Where this is not practicable at the time, we shall seek to gather evidence to bring those responsible before the courts. There will be consequences for those choosing to engage in this type of behaviour.

“Local residents do not want this kind of activity on their doorsteps and I would urge those engaged in violence and criminal damage to stay at home.”

Traditionally, a bonfire is torched on 15 August in Derry to mark a Catholic feast day celebrating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. In modern times the fire has become a source of contention and associated with antisocial behaviour.

Many residents in the nationalist Bogside are opposed to the bonfire, which is built by local youths. Last year, it was constructed in the middle of a main road, causing significant traffic disruption.

This year the site has been moved to a nearby grassy bank off Lecky Road, below the city’s historic walls.

But tensions remain high, with a group calling itself Bogside Republican Youth threatening to burn down the landmark Free Derry wall if wood from the bonfire site is removed.

Community representatives have also expressed concern at the prospect of unionist symbols, such as the union flag, being burnt on the fire.