Officers 'could have been killed' in West Belfast attack

By Q Radio news

The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland says officers could have been killed during attacks in Belfast over the weekend.

A total of 29 officers were injured after being pelted with petrol bombs and missiles in the Distillery Street area in the west of the city on Saturday. 

Petrol bombs, heavy masonry and vehicle parts were used by youths against officers.

They were assisting contractors with the removal of a republican bonfire when the came under sustained attack. 

Police say "at least 26 officers" injured during disturbances in west Belfast this afternoon.

They were in Distillery Street supporting contractors tasked to remove bonfire material.

Petrol bombs, masonry and other missiles were thrown.

PSNI statement: pic.twitter.com/rAba5AWvpP

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 8, 2020

Chair Mark Lindsay says officers are sick of being used as a ‘punchbag’ because of society's failure to resolve our troubled past.

He believes the attacks were premeditated.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said,

"Injuries range from injuries to limbs, three officers have been hospitalised, and have now been discharged, concussion, head, neck and back injuries," he said.

"The disgraceful attack that we saw on our officers, who were simply doing their job, trying to support our partners in the community and ensuring that we kept people safe.

"If anyone has any information around these attacks or the people who were involved, I would ask you to come forward to us using 101 or the confidential telephone line."

The Chief Constable of the PSNI, Simon Byrne called the violence 'shocking'.

My thoughts are with our injured colleagues who faced shocking violence just trying to do their job @PoliceServiceNI @PoliceFedforNI https://t.co/hJ7d2QaRm5

— Simon Byrne (@ChiefConPSNI) August 8, 2020

First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the "disgraceful scenes" and called for prosecutions.

"Our thoughts are with the injured officers. Disgraceful scenes. Important to see prosecutions in due course. A message must be sent that this is not acceptable," Mrs Foster tweeted.

Justice Minister Naomi Long also condemned the violence as "utterly intolerable".

"My thoughts are with those who have been injured," she said.

"I have spoken to the chief constable to express my concern for his officers and to thank him for PSNI's role over the weekend in protecting public safety and ensuring the safety of contractors."