The Police Ombudsman has published a report investigating the arrest of a man at a commemoration of the 1992 Sean Graham Bookmakers shootings in Belfast.

The incident, which occurred on 5th February 2021, saw the man arrested and detained for 1.5 hours before being released.

The investigation examined allegations of insensitivity by police officers attending the event, the man's alleged wrongful arrest, and the prolonged use of handcuffs.

While acknowledging the need for police presence at the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Police Ombudsman found that the arresting officer had not responded appropriately to the situation.

"Given the restrictions on gatherings which were in place under the Covid Regulations at the time, I am satisfied that there was reasonable justification for PSNI to have attended the scene," said Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson. "However, after examination of all relevant evidence, I was of the view that the arresting police officer had not responded to the unfolding events in line with an order to treat the gathering with sensitivity."

The investigation also found that the decision to arrest and handcuff the man was not justified by the circumstances.

The Police Ombudsman made three recommendations to the PSNI to improve future policing operations, including:

• Developing a system to ensure police awareness of Troubles-related anniversaries.

• Addressing the resourcing of local policing teams.

• Improving public order training for new officers.

The PSNI has accepted these recommendations.

This investigation highlights the importance of sensitive and proportionate policing at events commemorating significant historical events.

Acknowledging the statement issued by the Police Ombudsman, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "It is important to say that, first and foremost, I recognise the continuing distress being felt by all of the families of those killed and injured at Sean Graham Bookmakers on 5th February 1992 and want to acknowledge the pain and suffering that they all continue to feel.

"The commemoration event in 2021 took place during COVID 19 when restrictions on gatherings were constantly changing. Following her investigation, the Ombudsman submitted a file to the Public Prosecution Service and they directed no prosecution on any of the officers involved. Our internal processes have also concluded with no action required for the officers.

"As an organisation we are committed to learning from this case and have accepted the recommendations made by the Ombudsman. We have already commenced updating our training, policy and procedures to ensure that incidents of a similar nature do not occur again."