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08/08/2019
Trouble Erupts As Police Patrol Bonfire
Violent scenes have erupted as police patrol an anti-internment bonfire in the New Lodge area of north Belfast.
Officers came under attack as youths attempted to break police lines around the bonfire and fireworks, bottles and wood were launched from the crowd.
Tensions have been mounting throughout the day, Thursday 08 August, as a heavy police presence was established at the Queens Parade to support contractors in removing the bonfire.
The contractors were tasked by the landowner, however several individuals are understood to have positioned themselves atop the pyre in an act of defiance.
The land on which it is situated is owned by the Department for Infrastructure.
A PSNI statement released today read: "We are endeavouring to support the contractors to complete this task in a timely manner, with minimum disruption to the community.
"We would ask for the community's patience and support as the area is made safe."
Hope of a peaceful operation appears lost however, as officers changed into riot gear in response to the missiles being thrown at them.
Footage emerging from the scene shows one officer who appears to have been knocked unconscious after being struck in the head. He was dragged to safety by colleagues.
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, has condemned the attacks on officers, which he believes are in stark contrast to local community opinion.
Speaking following the violence, he said: "Officers trying to protect the community and lawful agencies are once again caught in the middle and in the firing line. They are being attacked with a range of missiles and iron fencing.
"In one assault by a mob, one officer is seen to be struck and knocked to the ground. This behaviour is contrary to the overwhelming wishes of the people of New Lodge who do not want this bonfire or their area hijacked by young thugs.
"Our officers are acting with professionalism and restraint and we would urge those orchestrating these vicious and unacceptable confrontations to pull back before people are seriously injured.
"These are ugly scenes reminiscent of the past and do not need to be repeated as communities work to build a better future. They are disgraceful and unacceptable. I know local community and political figures are trying to intervene to get order restored and from our perspective, we hope they are successful.
"In the meantime, our officers will continue to do the job they are there to do."
(JG/CM)
Officers came under attack as youths attempted to break police lines around the bonfire and fireworks, bottles and wood were launched from the crowd.
Tensions have been mounting throughout the day, Thursday 08 August, as a heavy police presence was established at the Queens Parade to support contractors in removing the bonfire.
The contractors were tasked by the landowner, however several individuals are understood to have positioned themselves atop the pyre in an act of defiance.
The land on which it is situated is owned by the Department for Infrastructure.
A PSNI statement released today read: "We are endeavouring to support the contractors to complete this task in a timely manner, with minimum disruption to the community.
"We would ask for the community's patience and support as the area is made safe."
Hope of a peaceful operation appears lost however, as officers changed into riot gear in response to the missiles being thrown at them.
Footage emerging from the scene shows one officer who appears to have been knocked unconscious after being struck in the head. He was dragged to safety by colleagues.
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, has condemned the attacks on officers, which he believes are in stark contrast to local community opinion.
Speaking following the violence, he said: "Officers trying to protect the community and lawful agencies are once again caught in the middle and in the firing line. They are being attacked with a range of missiles and iron fencing.
"In one assault by a mob, one officer is seen to be struck and knocked to the ground. This behaviour is contrary to the overwhelming wishes of the people of New Lodge who do not want this bonfire or their area hijacked by young thugs.
"Our officers are acting with professionalism and restraint and we would urge those orchestrating these vicious and unacceptable confrontations to pull back before people are seriously injured.
"These are ugly scenes reminiscent of the past and do not need to be repeated as communities work to build a better future. They are disgraceful and unacceptable. I know local community and political figures are trying to intervene to get order restored and from our perspective, we hope they are successful.
"In the meantime, our officers will continue to do the job they are there to do."
(JG/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
