Justice Minister condemns attacks on PSNI Officers

Justice Minister Naomi Long has commented about attacks on PSNI officers who were protecting contractors removing bonfire material in Belfast.

Justice Minister Naomi Long condemns attack on PSNI officers

The Minister said: “I unreservedly condemn this violence. It is utterly intolerable that police officers have been targeted in this way. My thoughts are with those who have been injured.

“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.

“The multiagency approach adopted in response to public concerns over bonfires, including community engagement with residents and elected representatives, allowed the vast majority of contentious bonfires to be removed or significantly reduced in scale without incident.  Clearly and regrettably, however, there are still some determined to orchestrate violence in order to draw the police into conflict.

“The PSNI perform a critical role at the heart of our society and are committed to keeping people and communities safe. 

I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the police on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Media enquiries should be emailed to the Department of Justice Press Office at press.office@justice-ni.x.gsi.gov.uk
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.

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