TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said that PSNI actions led to the outbreak of rioting on June 9
The PSNI and Police Federation have condemned comments from TUV MLA Timothy Gaston that the actions of officers led to the outbreak of violent riots in Ballymena.
Last month, the North Antrim MLA made comments during a Stormont committee where he said that “underlying tensions” and the actions of police, particularly around the blocking of Harryville Bridge, led to violent riots in Ballymena earlier this year.
Officers and the homes of immigrant families were attacked during the disorder in June, which was sparked following reports of an alleged sexual assault.
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PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has now responded to the MLAs comments saying: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland will always listen to feedback and concerns on our policing operations but I do not accept that our actions on the evening of 9th June contributed to rioting. To the contrary the actions of our officers on that and subsequent nights undoubtedly saved lives. Responsibility for the despicable disorder in Ballymena rests squarely with the small number of people who chose to engage in wanton violence against the police and others within their own community.
“There was not, and cannot be, any excuse or justification for their actions.”
The Police Federation of Northern Ireland has also hit out at the remarks saying: “On behalf of our members we totally reject the assertion being made that our officers in some way contributed to the disgraceful disorder scenes in Ballymena last summer. We didn’t and don’t always get everything right but that in no way justifies the wanton violence and criminality that subsequently played out.”
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