Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said:
“Today Policing Board Members, at a specially convened briefing, received an update from PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Singleton and Assistant Chief Constable Henderson on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena, and the policing of protests in other areas of Northern Ireland.
Members were updated on the policing plans operationalised over the course of the last two days and the challenges presented for policing in responding to the violence and subsequent disorder that manifested after a peaceful vigil was held in Ballymena following a reported sexual assault. Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family.
Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed. Board Members wanted to know what was now being done by police, and partner agencies, for all those concerned and frightened for their safety and received assurance of a range of actions including standing up the Civil Contingency Multi-Agency Structures.
Board Members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery.
As a Board we restate our condemnation of the acts of wanton violence against people, police and property in Ballymena and in other areas. Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end.
The Board will have a further discussion with the Chief Constable in the coming days on resourcing issues, Mutual Aid Arrangements being put in place, and police preparedness to meet operational demands.”
Ends
For more information contact the Board's Communications office on information@nipolicingboard.org.uk