Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

PSNI heavy handedness unacceptable - Rafferty

Published: 21 July, 2009

In response to a number of complaints from residents in the Drumarg/Dalton and Niall's crescent area of Armagh city, Sinn Féin councillor Cathy Rafferty has criticised the behaviour of the PSNI over the weekend of the 12th and 13th July. She also criticised those involved in rioting in the area over the same weekend.

Cllr Rafferty said,

Cllr Rafferty's party colleague Noel Sheridan was present at the scene several times over the two days in order to try and calm the situation.

"I have to seriously question the motivation behind the decision to carry out raids on a number of homes in Drumarg during this particularly sensitive time of the year. On Sunday morning at 8.30am the PSNI entered the estate in several armoured landrovers, arrested two residents and carried out searches on a number of homes.

"Local people living in the vicinity of the raided homes were prevented from going about their normal business and have complained about the aggressive behaviour of the PSNI officers present.

"One mother was prevented from accessing her own home to get nappies for her child. Others were verbally abused and subjected to derogatory remarks. The following day the PSNI returned in force and arrested two youths who were subsequently released a short time later. Nevertheless the police, some in riot gear, maintained a high presence in the area. One member of the local community association who approached the police at the entrance to the estate to simply ask who was in charge was told in no uncertain terms where to go.

"I have been approached by residents who have been very critical of this behaviour which has increased tensions in the area. The behaviour of the PSNI was clearly unacceptable. However the residents are also equally critical of the street violence which ensued on Monday afternoon. I have received complaints from people who were unable to get in and out of their estates. Medical services for some people in the area were severely disrupted. People are extremely frustrated by the damage done to their area due to the burning of vehicles, broken glass , paint and stone throwing. In recent years the area has undergone great change and many of those who voiced their concerns added that this was a return to the past, which for the sake of their children they do not want.

"Recently three houses on Umgola Row have been targeted by youths, I would ask them to desist from this type of behaviour immediately.

"While the PSNI must accept responsibility for increasing tensions, residents feel that this cannot justify the destruction of property and the hemming in of the community on Monday afternoon.

"I will be taking the concerns of residents up at the next DPP meeting. I understand that a complaint gas also been sent to the Police Ombudsman's Office by the local community group and I would fully support them in their efforts as we in Sinn Féin are totally committed to holding the PSNI to account. I will also be asking our MLAs to pursue this matter.

"It is very easy to slip back into the ways of the past. We have a duty however to pursue a peaceful path to resolve such incidents. This is the will of the majority of residents in the area. They do not wish to return to street disturbances and the destruction of their area. Everyone has a part to play in bringing this about. The PSNI have a duty to police with impartiality and treat people in areas such as Drumarg and Dalton with the proper respect and courtesy that is befitting of a police service that wishes to police with consent."