Irish Republican News · October 26, 2004

PSNI gas handcuffed man

Sinn Féin in Derry has called for the withdrawal of tear gas devices following the suspension of a PSNI man who sprayed a handcuffed man with the gas.

The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating the use of the chemical weapon during a series of incidents in the city centre last week.

Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Fleming said his party had objected to the deployment of a new form of CS gas, now dispensed in spray form.

“We have seen in most occasions where it has been used in Derry that it has been misused and that the side effects are quite dangerous.

“The people of Derry have no confidence in the PSNI investigating themselves in private or that the Policing Board can hold them to account.”

Announcing the suspension yesterday, the PSNI defended the use of CS spray despite its heavy use in the city, including several incidents in clashes last Saturday week.

A spokesman said: “The Police Service continues to work proactively to ensure as wide an understanding as possible of CS spray.

“It is an important and valuable police instrument.”

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