PSNI accused in Newry trouble

The police in Newry, County Armagh have been blamed for provoking a riot in nationalist areas.

In an operation described as a “security alert”, the PSNI accompanied by the British Army arrived in force and proceeded to surround and seal off the Derrybeg and Carnagat areas on Thursday, May 24.

Dozens of armoured PSNI landrovers, armoured cars, jeeps and British army lorries as well as two PSNI spy helicopters were involved. Local residents said they felt under siege.

The situation descended into a mini-riot as local youths confronted the PSNI. Stones, paint and petrol bombs were thrown, and the PSNI said that one if its members received a minor injury.

eirigi said that British forces had a history of provocation in such situations, and this instance had been no different.

Local representative Stephen Murney said he had personally witnessed several armoured landrovers “driving at speed” towards a group of young people who had gathered to watch what was happening.

“This deliberate attempt to intimidate and provoke the community created a riot situation,” he said.

“The blame for this trouble lies squarely with the PSNI who spent their time goading and driving armoured landrovers directly at young people.”

He said he and other eirigi activists remained in the area “until the British state forces withdrew, leaving the local community to pick up the pieces and clear the destruction left behind by actions of the PSNI.

He continued, “These communities are no strangers to Crown Force repression and have been to the fore in resisting this repression over the years. If the PSNI aren’t harassing residents in these areas by using stop and search legislation and house raids they are provoking our local youths to create riot situations such as this.

“eirigi will fully support any community that is resisting the repressive tactics of Britain’s police force in Ireland.”

Urgent Appeal