A week of shame’ – Liam Kelly
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland Liam Kelly says this has been ‘a week of shame’ with appalling levels of unrest in towns and cities.
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland Liam Kelly says this has been ‘a week of shame’ with appalling levels of unrest in towns and cities.
Mr 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
