Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Concerns after special needs boy, 14, arrested
Teen ‘very badly affected by ordeal’
CONCERNS have been raised after a boy aged 14 with special needs was arrested by police.
It is understood the teenager has been left “very badly affected by his ordeal” following a search in Derry.
MLA Karen Mullan said a Sinn Fein delegation is to meet with the PSNI this week over what she has dubbed “heavyhanded” policing during the incident.
It is understood the vulnerable youngster was arrested on Monday and later released.
Ms Mullan said: “A party delegation will meet the PSNI this week to directly raise concerns about reports of heavyhanded policing during a recent police search in the city in which a 14-year-old child with special needs was arrested and subsequently released.
“This vulnerable child has been very badly affected by his ordeal.
“The public rightly expects the very highest policing and human rights standards and we will hold the police to account when their actions fail to meet those standards.”
The Police Ombudsman’s office has confirmed it has received a complaint in relation to the matter. A spokesperson said: “We have received a complaint about the arrest of a young person with special needs in Derry/ Londonderry on Monday 3 August.
“We are currently dealing with this matter.”
PSNI Chief Supt Emma Bond added: “Accountability to both the public and the relevant oversight bodies such as the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Policing and Community Safety Partnerships, Police Ombudsman and local representatives are at the heart of our policing with the community approach.
“Protecting the public and keeping people safe is and will always be our priority and we welcome the opportunity to meet with Sinn Fein representatives to discuss this matter and any other concerns they wish to express.”