Ormeau Road incident questions still to be answered

The decision not to prosecute two officers involved in the Ormeau Road commemoration incident in early February has been welcomed by the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI).

One officer was suspended and a colleague re-positioned while the matter was being investigated by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, said: “This was an unfortunate incident for all concerned and no one underestimates the impact this unfortunate event has had on that community or the police officers involved. Proceedings have been unnecessarily protracted and have taken a heavy toll on the officers themselves. They remain suspended and repositioned some 10 months later, having intervened lawfully and in good faith.

“The officers themselves are relieved at this decision but there are still many questions to be answered in respect of subsequent decisions by PSNI command. This is currently subject to a Judicial Review process.”