17/07/2001
RUC ACTIONS UNDER OMBUDSMAN’S PROBE
TV FOOTAGE of an RUC vehicle apparently mounting a pavement and driving at a group of children is to be examined in an investigation by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman.
Ombudsman Nuala O`Loan has decided to investigate the incident, filmed during nationalist disturbances in Ardoyne on 13 July, in addition to ten individual complaints of police assault both in the area and in Portadown on the same evening.
It is also looking into the firing of plastic baton rounds – the use of which are automatically investigated by the Ombudsman - by RUC officers during the trouble which erupted in both areas over controversial parades.
The Ombudsman decision was prompted by television footage which showed an RUC Land Rover swerving across the Ardoyne Road, over a burning barricade, and appearing to drive at speed towards a group of children who moved quickly out of the way.
The incident followed a night of serious rioting involving nationalist residents who objected to an Orange Order parade returning home along Ardoyne Road after their annual 12 July march.
The Ombudsman’s office, which was set up last November, has so far received ten complaints alleging assault at Portadown and three in Ardoyne. Their inquiry will involve speaking to the police officers on duty during the incident. Enquiries could take up to a month before Ms O’ Loan recommends whether or not there should be prosecutions. (AMcE)
Ombudsman Nuala O`Loan has decided to investigate the incident, filmed during nationalist disturbances in Ardoyne on 13 July, in addition to ten individual complaints of police assault both in the area and in Portadown on the same evening.
It is also looking into the firing of plastic baton rounds – the use of which are automatically investigated by the Ombudsman - by RUC officers during the trouble which erupted in both areas over controversial parades.
The Ombudsman decision was prompted by television footage which showed an RUC Land Rover swerving across the Ardoyne Road, over a burning barricade, and appearing to drive at speed towards a group of children who moved quickly out of the way.
The incident followed a night of serious rioting involving nationalist residents who objected to an Orange Order parade returning home along Ardoyne Road after their annual 12 July march.
The Ombudsman’s office, which was set up last November, has so far received ten complaints alleging assault at Portadown and three in Ardoyne. Their inquiry will involve speaking to the police officers on duty during the incident. Enquiries could take up to a month before Ms O’ Loan recommends whether or not there should be prosecutions. (AMcE)
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