Jon Boutcher Condemns 'Despicable Scenes' Across NI

PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, has condemned the "despicable scenes" of ongoing violence and disorder across Northern Ireland.

Following more than a week of riots, which included the attempted arson of a mosque in Newtownards and attacks on police officers in L'Derry over the weekend, Mr Boutcher said: "Over the last week we have seen some despicable scenes across Northern Ireland of violence and disorder with one purpose, to scare our communities and incite hatred. All of our communities, that's everyone across society in Northern Ireland, needs to call out this intimidation and violence. We will not tolerate it.

"I want to commend the incredible men and women of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) who repeatedly put themselves in harms way to keep our communities safe. We will relentlessly pursue those who carry out these senseless acts of violence. We are incredibly fortunate to have the policing that we do in Northern Ireland but we cannot continue to take that policing for granted. These officers have my absolute respect and support. They are outstanding. That support needs to be society wide. It is not acceptable to assault or attack police officers. I will be seeking the maximum sentences against those convicted of such attacks. We will not simply stand here and accept this.

"Last week a parent was charged with three counts of riot and three counts of child cruelty relating to the disorder, and appeared at Belfast magistrates court on Friday. Connected to those charges, a 15-year-old boy also appeared at court charged with four counts of riot, possession of a petrol bomb and three counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. We also arrested and charged people for inciting the disorder we have seen, through their on line activity. I am determined to pursue those involved in the violence and those inciting and encouraging it with every piece of legislation, every resource and every tactic available to me."

Boutcher highlighted that since the disorder began, a total of 20 PSNI officers have been injured, with ten of those officers hurt on Sunday night in L'Derry. He continued: "Yet again these incredible officers maintained the highest levels of professionalism in the face of violence, with petrol bombs and masonry being repeatedly hurled at them for a sustained period of time. Some of the injuries have resulted in hospitalisation with one female officer sustaining severe facial injuries and another male officer with a broken leg. I want to be very clear, this would not be acceptable elsewhere and it is not acceptable here. I have made clear that the intimidation of our diverse communities will not be tolerated and neither will assaults or violence against my police officers."

The Chief Constable said that the PSNI would continue to release images of those wanted in connection with the disorder, and warned those who think they cant get away with it that "they won't".

And speaking directly to those responsible for children involved in the rioting, Boutcher said: "To the parents and guardians of young people, please be vigilant. Is a child or young person in your care getting involved in violent acts? Take action now, please, before we have to.

"The last thing we ever want to do is criminalise young people, but where they are found to be involved in the type of disorder seen in Derry/Londonderry last night, we will not hesitate to act. Age will not play a factor. They will be arrested and prosecuted.

"Finally, I appeal to everyone across our communities in Northern Ireland to continue to publicly and loudly condemn this behaviour. Stand with us in saying, this is not ok and it must stop. These people should not be louder than us. We will not allow hatred and mindless violence win. That is not the society we want nor will allow. It is at times like this that the future for our society is shaped. That future is in our hands, not these thugs. Please join me in condemning these acts and support those communities under attack, and the men and women of the PSNI who come to work every day to make a positive difference.

"We must all think about the society we are creating for our young people and the example we are setting for the next generation. It doesn't have to be like this."