Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OUT OF CONTROL
100 teens surround police then throw bricks and light fireworks
UP to 100 youths surrounded police before bricks and fireworks were thrown as they attended a town centre callout.
Shocking bodycam footage shows the teenagers confronting officers answering a call to help a vulnerable woman.
A PCSO was punched in the face during the chaos.
Police urged parents to “step up”.
Officers had been called to the bus station in Stanley, Co Durham. One is heard in the video to say, “We’re asking people nicely to move away”, before tensions rise.
Sgt Dave Clarke said they were surrounded as they tried to treat a young woman.
He said: “It escalated from there. You had six to 10 boys wanting to show off. That developed into kicks, punching, people jumping around sparring.”
Up to 20 youths in hoodies then threw bricks and set off fireworks on the night of November 3.
Parents were asked to watch the footage. Sgt Emma Kay said: “They all agreed the behaviour of the children was appalling. While there is a hardcore group of individuals involved, there are many more on the sidelines.
“We’re asking parents to step up, take responsibility for your children.”
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “As difficult as it is to watch, I am pleased it has been made public to show the appalling violence our officers face far too frequently.”