Mutual aid for PSNI ‘a step closer’ after two nights of violent disorder
After two nights of violent unrest that has seen more than 30 officers injured, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) says it is almost certain that mutual aid officers will be requested from Scotland and England to augment and support its “stretched and under-strength resources”.
In a second night of rioting and disorder, mainly in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena, police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown in their direction.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has confirmed that he will be making arrangements to “activate mutual aid resources” to ensure the necessary support to maintain public order, warning that PSNI resourcing levels were not just inadequate but were “dangerous”.
Police Federation for Northern Ireland chair Liam Kelly said: “A total of 33 officers have been injured in wholly unacceptable violence in Ballymena and other centres. This is deplorable and unsustainable for an already stretched and under resourced police service.
“The option is there to call on policing colleagues across the UK to come to our assistance. We’re under intense pressure and operating at a level that is downright dangerous.
“This violence has to end. Should it continue, I expect we will see more officers injured and they will inevitably have to be taken off the front line to rest and recover.”
He added: “Officers are doing an outstanding job in trying and challenging circumstances. They are saving lives and doing all they can to protect both people and property.
“That said, mutual aid is there as a measure of last resort when it becomes clear that the PSNI, which is currently more than 2,200 officers below what’s required, needs to bolster numbers on the ground. Calling for that assistance has now moved a step closer.
“Officer welfare must be the priority. They cannot continue to be exposed to unnecessary risk or extended frontline duties where they are unable to recover, recharge and get some badly needed rest.
“Again, I would appeal for this sickening, racially motivated lawlessness and mindless violence to end. Targeting innocent people and attacking my colleagues is reprehensible. There should be no place in this society for violent thugs and racists to blatantly disregard the rule of law, intimidate and terrorise people out of their homes and criminally attack both persons and property.
“I would directly appeal to the right minded public to condemn these actions and provide PSNI with the information that will assist in identifying the perpetrators so they can rightly be put before the courts.”
Mr Jon Boutcher said: “The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable. These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection.
“Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge. Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.
“As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.”
He added: “I want to pay the highest tribute to the women and men of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Despite operating under immense financial pressure – far greater than that faced by other public services in Northern Ireland or police forces across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland – our officers continue to display unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve. Again we see our brave officers putting themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe resulting in further unacceptable injuries – they are a credit to us all.
“Since 2010, the PSNI has been critically underfunded. This neglect takes no account of the enormous demands placed on us by legacy issues or the unique challenges of policing in a post-conflict society. Our resourcing levels are not just inadequate – they are dangerous.
“I will be making arrangements to activate mutual aid resources to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice.
“The PSNI is a cornerstone of our society’s peace and security. It is time it was treated – and funded – accordingly.”
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said: “I utterly condemn the terrible scenes of civil disorder in Ballymena, and other reported disorder, over recent days. There is no place for this kind of violence in Northern Ireland.
“The PSNI must be given the time they need to properly investigate the distressing incident concerned.
“There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property.
“This appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice.
“I pay tribute to the PSNI, and those personnel from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe.
“I also express my gratitude to those community leaders who are working hard night and day to bring this disorder to an end, and to seek ways in which their area can thrive, rather than be a site of destruction.”