Policing violence concern as Lundy returns to Derry

Up to 2,000 members of the Protestant Apprentice Boys organisation and 21 bands are expected in Derry for the annual Lundy's Day march on Saturday.

The march culminates in the killing in effigy of `Lundy', a historical hate figure alleged to have betrayed the Protestant people in the 17th century.

Following talks between the Apprentice Boys and the nationalist Bogside residents' group, it is hoped that the parade will pass off peacefully.

But a Derry teenager has still not received justice a year after she was assaulted by riot police during the same march in the city.

Emma Robinson (19) lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman four days after she and her fiance were clubbed by the police during the Lundy Day parade on December 7 last year.

A PSNI man dressed in full riot gear struck her ``four or five times'' on her back, hip and backside as riot police forced a group of teenagers in Celtic tops away from the parade route.

The ombudsman's office has now informed the teenager that its investigation has concluded, but that available evidence did not establish how or by whom her injuries were caused.

Ms Robinson has demanded that the case be reopened.

She said her boy-friend was assaulted first, and that riot police ignored their pleas that they were just shoppers and not involved in any disturbances.

``This has destroyed me,'' Ms Robinson said.

``It's simply not good enough that after a year nothing has been done and for the ombudsman's office to say they can do no more. We're not telling lies.''

Urgent Appeal