Irish Republican News · November 29, 2010

Trigger-happy PSNI open fire in Portadown

The family of a 79-year-old grandfather say he is lucky to be alive after a shot fired by the PSNI police went through his living room window.

Eugene Hamill was sitting in his favourite armchair watching TV at home in Obins Drive, Portadown, County Armagh, when the bullet ripped through the glass inches away from him.

No-one was injured in the shooting on Thursday evening, which took place as the PSNI responded to a family dispute in the quiet residential area.

“We just heard a crack and then the window smashed,” Mr Hamill’s daughter Denise said. “We thought someone had thrown a stone at the window but my husband came in from the kitchen and saw the bullet embedded in the wall.

“It’s a miracle that no-one was killed.”

Sinn Fein Policing Board member Alex Maskey has said he is seeking an immediate report from the PSNI on the incident.

FEUD

Meanwhile, feuding unionist paramilitaries are being blamed for a pipebomb attack at a house in Antrim on Saturday night.

British forces were called to the scene at Portlee Walk in the Parkhall estate.

The same house was targeted last weekend, when two shots were fired through the living room window, but no-one was injured.

PARADE DECISION

Meanwhile, the Parades Commission has ruled that a band commemorating a UVF killer must not march passed the spot where he murdered a Catholic man.

Yesterday the commission ruled that a loyalist band, commemorating UVF man Brian Robinson, will not be allowed to take part in an Apprentice Boys march past Ardoyne on December 4.

Robinson was shot dead by undercover soldiers in September 1989 minutes after he shot Catholic man Paddy McKenna dead outside Ardoyne shops.

In recent years tensions have been increased at the Ardoyne interface after the Shankill Star band was allowed to march past the murder scene.

Sinn Fein Assembly member for North Belfast, Gerry Kelly, welcomed the decision.

“I am however disappointed in [loyalist spokesman] Tommy Cheevers approach to this, with him showing no sensitivity or regards to the victims of Brian Robinson.

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