PFNI chair condemns ‘a week of shame’ with 63 officers injured

Liam Kelly said: “Burning people out of their homes, attacking a leisure centre, and the specific targeting of individuals and property fuelled by overt racism and prejudice is totally deplorable. Yet again, our overstretched police officers have also been attacked with petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks as they sought to keep people safe and maintain law and order.

“Since violence erupted in Ballymena on Monday, we’re seen a total of 63 officers injured. They have held the line with great courage and professionalism and are owed a debt of gratitude by this community. They went to the aid of vulnerable people, have prevented further savage attacks and have undoubtedly saved lives.

“We wish them all a speedy recovery as we need them back doing their full duties so PSNI can have sufficient resources to provide an effective, responsive policing service. Every officer not at work is one less officer able to provide a policing service to our communities. Attacking my colleagues has negative consequences for everyone, is wrong, and needs to stop.”

Twenty-two Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers were injured during a fourth consecutive night of disorder.

The PSNI said there was “significant disorder and violence” in Portadown over a number of hours with officers coming under sustained attack with heavy masonry and fireworks thrown in their direction.

“Officers utilised various public order tactics to keep the public safe with no reports of injury to the public or damage to property,” said the PSNI. “Two arrests were made in Portadown – a woman in her 50s and a man in his 30s – on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder.”

Mr Kelly said additional resources were now being earmarked under Mutual Aid.

“This has been a week of shame with hate-filled rioters turning our streets into battle zones targeting people and property simply because of their perceived nationality or the colour of their skin,” he said.

“They didn’t care who they hurt. Fathers, mothers and young children were their targets. They have damaged Northern Ireland’s image and done an enormous disservice to all of us.

“We will continue to police our society without fear or favour and all persons, irrespective of their background, race, colour or creed who are engaged in any criminality should expect to be the subject of our criminal justice processes. We cannot have sections of our society blatantly disregarding the law and bringing their own twisted version of justice to bear.

“As we head into the weekend, I would once again appeal for calm. Bringing violence, fear and uncertainty to our streets is totally unacceptable and must stop.”

He added: “I would ask all parents to speak with their children, know where they are going in the evenings, and actively encourage them to be civically responsible.

“We now have additional resources provided under Mutual Aid and the public should be confident that the men and women I represent will continue to do all they can to provide reassurance, uphold the law and deal robustly with those who engage in any criminality.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Last night in Portadown police came under sustained attack from rioters throwing masonry and other missiles. Officers deployed a variety of public order tactics to restore order to the town as quickly as possible.

“Twenty-two officers were injured and I am so grateful to them for their bravery and selfless dedication in protecting the community of Portadown from this criminality.

“We saw calm in Ballymena and I hope the powerful words of the family who asked for calm during this really difficult time were heard and continue to be heard over the coming days.

“Two arrests were made in Portadown last night and more will follow.

“I repeat, once more, our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days.”