Creggan family assaulted

The PSNI police have been accused of mounting a “vicious unprovoked attack” on a young family in the Creggan in Derry last week.

The confrontation took place on Thursday afternoon after members of PSNI TSGs (tactical support groups) followed a man onto the property of a family friend. The family, who did not wish to be identified, ended up as innocent victims of a CS gas attack.

“The [PSNI] trespassed onto the property in an attempt to get at the family friend when the householders turned up,” according to the 32 County Sovereignty Committee in Derry.

The PSNI then “goaded” the father over his speech impediment before the whole family, including a 12-year-old girl, were subjected to a “brutal assault”.

After handcuffing one son and shoving the girl aside to force their way through the front door, the PSNI deployed canisters of CS gas into the family’s living room.

Leaving te family shocked and temporarily blinded, the PSNI then deployed telescopic batons and launched a “brutal baton attack” on the wife and mother, leaving welts and bruises on her body and limbs, according to the 32CSM.

“They smashed items in the living room before trying to force their way through to the kitchen,” they said, before the men fought back.

“Although suffering the effects from the CS Gas, the husband and his friend managed to force the stormtroopers out of the house, tearing off one of the lapel numbers in the process.”

A neighbour who attempted to intervene was also arrested, although both he and the son were later released without charge.

“The family were traumatised, their 12 year old child having to spend time in a neighbours house being too afraid to return to the house.

“The mother of the child was sore, bruised, traumatised and in an extremely emotional state some 24 hours later.”

The PSNI units involved were described by other neighbours as being “out of control”.

“They appear to have carte blanche to launch their bitter sectarian attacks in defiance of all laws they are supposed to adhere to,” the 32CSM said.

“The attack was witnessed by a street full of people who were absolutely stunned at the viciousness of the attack and the apparent hatred that accompanied it. This has been going on for too long.”

Urgent Appeal