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21/04/2006
Policing board to question Orde over Colwell shooting
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is to be questioned by the Policing Board over the shooting of 23-year-old Steven Colwell at a police checkpoint last weekend.
It is understood that the Chairman of the Policing Board, Sir Desmond Rea, along with Board representatives will ask the Chief Constable for an account of what exactly happened.
Steven Colwell died after being shot in a stolen car at a police checkpoint in Church Street, Ballynahinch at around 11.30am on Sunday.
It has been reported that officers fired a number of shots at the vehicle after it failed to stop at a checkpoint.
Three men and two women who were in the car at the time of the shooting, have been released on bail following questioning.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being investigated by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's office.
Sir Desmond Rea today offered his condolences to the family of Steven Colwell and described the incident as "tragic".
He said: "On behalf of the Policing Board, I extend condolences to the Colwell family at this difficult time."
He added: "Irrespective of the circumstances of this incident, a life has been lost and a family is grieving.”
Sir Desmond also stated that it was a "traumatic event for the police officers who were involved in the incident".
It has been reported that Steven Colwell was one of six people travelling in the car, which was stolen following a burglary at a house in Ballyhornan in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sir Desmond said today that the investigation was a matter for the Ombudsman's Office and the Policing Board would await their results.
He said that the Board will carefully consider the findings of the report and any recommendations arising from it.
He also added that there has been widespread speculation as to whether the officer involved should be suspended following his actions, however he concluded that this is a matter for the Chief Constable in conjunction with the Police Ombudsman.
The Board are due to meet Sir Hugh Orde to discuss the issue on May 3. (EF/CD)
It is understood that the Chairman of the Policing Board, Sir Desmond Rea, along with Board representatives will ask the Chief Constable for an account of what exactly happened.
Steven Colwell died after being shot in a stolen car at a police checkpoint in Church Street, Ballynahinch at around 11.30am on Sunday.
It has been reported that officers fired a number of shots at the vehicle after it failed to stop at a checkpoint.
Three men and two women who were in the car at the time of the shooting, have been released on bail following questioning.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being investigated by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's office.
Sir Desmond Rea today offered his condolences to the family of Steven Colwell and described the incident as "tragic".
He said: "On behalf of the Policing Board, I extend condolences to the Colwell family at this difficult time."
He added: "Irrespective of the circumstances of this incident, a life has been lost and a family is grieving.”
Sir Desmond also stated that it was a "traumatic event for the police officers who were involved in the incident".
It has been reported that Steven Colwell was one of six people travelling in the car, which was stolen following a burglary at a house in Ballyhornan in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sir Desmond said today that the investigation was a matter for the Ombudsman's Office and the Policing Board would await their results.
He said that the Board will carefully consider the findings of the report and any recommendations arising from it.
He also added that there has been widespread speculation as to whether the officer involved should be suspended following his actions, however he concluded that this is a matter for the Chief Constable in conjunction with the Police Ombudsman.
The Board are due to meet Sir Hugh Orde to discuss the issue on May 3. (EF/CD)
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