Sinn Féin criticise use of plastic bullets

Sinn Féin policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly has criticised the PSNI after it was revealed that 22 plastic bullets were fired in Ardoyne during Tuesday night's rioting.

Mr Kelly said: "Plastic bullets are unacceptable and must be banned. They should have no part in policing these situations. The fact that so many people were gathered in Ardoyne on Tuesday evening ensured that the firing of these lethal devices could have been nothing other than indiscriminate.

"To compound matters the PSNI clearly engaged in media management surrounding the numbers fired. Yesterday they indicated that only six were discharged and today they have revealed that 22 have been fired. We are told that this is a new improved plastic bullet, the AEP. But the reality is these devices are lethal and can kill.

Mr Kelly also criticised the SDLP representative Alex Attwood for praising the PSNI action.

"Alex Attwood of the SDLP has very publicly praised the actions of the PSNI in Ardoyne on Tuesday evening. I can only assume that this includes the use of plastic bullets. Prior to joining the Policing Board the SDLP claimed to be opposed to the use of plastic bullets. Yet while on it they have overseen the development, purchase and now use of a new generation of lethal killers. Alex Attwood needs to explain in very clear terms to the nationalist community why he has praised this action."

Some 100 police officers were injured during the rioting, one seriously, which began when nationalists attacked police after an Orange Order parade passed the Ardoyne shops area.

The police officers were attacked with petrol and blast bombs as well as bottles, bricks and other missiles.

Seven members of the public were injured, none seriously, and a number of people were arrested.

(GB/KMcA)