Widespread condemnation as children ‘manipulated’ into taking part in violent disorder

PFNI chair Liam Kelly said: “What we saw was Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) vehicles being petrol bombed by children. Officers absorbed a wave of attacks and followed a methodical approach in how they dealt with the onslaught.

“Children should not be taking part in street disturbances. Their parents have a responsibility to keep them safe and away from violent disorder. What I have to ask is where were their parents? Why weren’t they taking their children away from the flashpoint where they could have been seriously hurt? What we witnessed on Saturday was parental abdication and that is appalling.

“Ten officers were injured in the trouble. They were the focal point of petrol-bombing children and older people and the pawns of faceless criminals who pull the strings from a safe distance.

“I appeal to parents to not let their children get caught up in this mindless violence. They have to realise the consequences when they are apprehended and convicted in the courts.

‘To our colleagues, I say well done for showing such professionalism and patience during hours of being targeted so viciously.”

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “The last thing we ever want to do is criminalise young people, but where they are found to be involved in the type of disorder seen in Derry/Londonderry [on Saturday night], we will not hesitate to act. Age will not play a factor. They will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long also “utterly condemned” the violence, adding: “It is particularly concerning that, yet again, children and young people are being exploited and abused by being drawn into attacks and rioting, risking their safety and their futures.

“I would urge all involved, including those young people who are being manipulated, to seriously consider the impact of their actions on themselves and their community and walk away from any further disorder.”

Mr Boutcher said: “Last week a parent was charged with three counts of riot and three counts of child cruelty relating to the disorder, and appeared at Belfast magistrates court on Friday.

“Connected to those charges, a 15-year-old boy also appeared at court charged with four counts of riot, possession of a petrol bomb and three counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. We also arrested and charged people for inciting the disorder we have seen, through their online activity.

“I am determined to pursue those involved in the violence and those inciting and encouraging it with every piece of legislation, every resource and every tactic available to me.”

Since the disorder began, a total of 20 PSNI officers have been injured and on Saturday night alone ten officers were injured in Derry/Londonderry.

“Yet again these incredible officers maintained the highest levels of professionalism in the face of violence, with petrol bombs and masonry being repeatedly hurled at them for a sustained period of time,” said Mr Boutcher.

“Some of the injuries have resulted in hospitalisation with one female officer sustaining severe facial injuries and another male officer with a broken leg.

“I want to be very clear, this would not be acceptable elsewhere and it is not acceptable here. I have made clear that the intimidation of our diverse communities will not be tolerated and neither will assaults or violence against my police officers

Th chief constable said over the past week there have been “some despicable scenes across Northern Ireland of violence and disorder with one purpose, to scare our communities and incite hatred”.

“All of our communities, that’s everyone across society in Northern Ireland, needs to call out this intimidation and violence. We will not tolerate it,” he said.

“I want to commend the incredible men and women of the PSNI who repeatedly put themselves in harms way to keep our communities safe. We will relentlessly pursue those who carry out these senseless acts of violence.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have the policing that we do in Northern Ireland but we cannot continue to take that policing for granted. These officers have my absolute respect and support. They are outstanding. That support needs to be society wide. It is not acceptable to assault or attack police officers. I will be seeking the maximum sentences against those convicted of such attacks. We will not simply stand here and accept this.

“We will continue to release images and for the minority who think they can get away with violent hatred of any kind. You can’t, you won’t and we are coming after you.”

The Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) said recent events have brought concerns about resourcing levels within policing into “even sharper focus”.

NIPB chair Mukesh Sharma MBE DL said: “The Board has serious concerns about resourcing levels within policing, and the capability and capacity of the service to meet everyday policing.

“The events of the last week have brought this into even sharper focus.

“Whilst the chief constable has moved to secure mutual aid in the interim, resourcing of policing to ensure a safe society for all needs urgent attention.”

He added: “The chief constable and his officers and staff are working round the clock to provide assurance to people within the community who are afraid, dealing with sporadic violence, and bringing to swift justice those responsible for inciting hatred and perpetrating attacks on people, property and the police.

“Those who have been engaged in the violence and disorder that manifested over the last few days are intent on creating a climate of fear where people don’t feel safe and are afraid. If hate crime is to be eradicated from our society, then it needs a collective societal response, in parallel with a policing one.

“We share in the strong words of condemnation from political and civic leadership, as well as the widespread support being voiced for policing.

“We thank all the PSNI officers and staff who are working to protect the community and trust that all those who have been injured make a full recovery.”

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for public order, said: “Policing continues to stand strong and unified, with hard work and dedication from all of our workforce in the face of daily challenges.

“The situation in England, Scotland and Wales has somewhat stabilised over the last few days but our colleagues in Northern Ireland have experienced awful violence with significant injuries experienced by officers on the front line and we are doing all we can to support them.

“We have seen and continue to see bravery and the utmost professionalism from our officers, staff and volunteers in dealing with these abhorrent incidents of violent disorder. No one should have to face the prospect of injury or abuse in their work and our thoughts are with all of those who have suffered injuries in the course of their duties.”