15 COPS HURT AS RIOTS RAGE
13-year-old arrested after loyalists battle police
CHILDREN as young as 13 and 14 were among those arrested at a riot in Belfast on Friday night.
Police said 15 officers were injured after a loyalist protest exploded into violence in Sandy Row.
Belfast District Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said police were called out in the south of the city when “a small local protest quickly developed into an attack on police officers”.
He added: “A total of 15 officers were injured after being subjected to a sustained attack by rioters who threw a number of objects at police, including heavy masonry, metal rods, fireworks and manhole covers.
“Their injuries include burns, head and leg injuries. As a result we now have four officers who cannot report for duty as a result of their injuries.”
Chief Superintendent Walls urged anyone with influence in communities to calm tensions.
He said: “The majority of those involved in the disorder last night were young people.
“Two of the eight people arrested were two young boys aged 13 and 14. By engaging in this type of behaviour they are not only risking their safety, they are also risking their futures.
“I understand there are significant tensions and unease in some communities. My job is to keep people safe
It’s also concerning to see these incidents during a pandemic PAUL MASKEY SINN FEIN MP YESTERDAY
and I would ask that anyone who has any influence in communi- ties – whether parents, guardians, community or elected representa- tives – please, use that influence to ensure young people are kept safe and away from harm.
“Local communities deserve to live in safe and peaceful areas, free from rioting and violence.”
The DUP’S Christopher Stalford, whose constituency office is in the area, said he didn’t want to see young people “ending up with criminal records”. He added: “Given the actions of the Deputy First Minister some folk may believe that they can break the rules. That is not the case, two wrongs don’t make a right.
However, Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said those in a position of leadership had to shoulder the blame.
He added: “It is always sad to see young people being used by sinister elements to advance their regressive agenda.
“It is also deeply concerning to see these types of incidents at the height of the Covid pandemic and as we are beginning to make good progress.