Matt Baggott Denies Bias Against Loyalists

Matt Baggott has defended the actions of his officers after First Minister Peter Robinson said Union flag protesters appeared to have been treated differently under the law than some republicans facing criminal investigation.

Mr Robinson, who met with Mr Baggott on Monday night, said unionists felt they were not being treated fairly over public order offences connected to the ongoing flag protests.

He said: "There certainly is a perception out there within the unionist community that when you see several leading republicans getting bail and several leading members of the loyalist community not getting bail that there is a lack of balance in the way these matters are dealt with."

Last week prominent loyalists Willie Frazer, 53, from Co Armagh, and Jamie Bryson, 23, from Co Down, were remanded in custody over their part in the flag disturbances.

Mr Baggott insisted: "All of our actions have been taken impartially and within the rule of law.

"Over the past months the PSNI has successfully dealt with an incredibly volatile situation with great patience and professionalism.

"A situation made all the more difficult by the absence of political consensus. All of our actions have been taken impartially and within the rule of law. No one has been seriously injured."

(GK)