Orde Links UDA To Bangor Riot

PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, says he has evidence that the UDA were behind the disturbances in Bangor on Wednesday night.

Sir Hugh also said that the UDA should be stripped of government funding following the rioting in which police officers came under fire in the Kilcooley estate.

Six people were struck with baton rounds during the violence although no arrests were made.

Policing Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea condemned the attacks on police officers last night.

Sir Desmond said: “On behalf of the Board, I utterly condemn the violent attacks on police in Bangor last night and am relieved that no officers were seriously injured.

These are the kinds of scenes that we want to see firmly confined to history. Our community has moved on. Mindless violence like this achieves nothing but disorder, fear in the community and the diversion of police resources that could be used elsewhere. Those responsible are offering nothing to our community and I would urge them to co-operate with the police.”

Police lines came under sustained attacks, with petrol bombs, fireworks, stones and other missiles being thrown at them by a mob of up to 200 people.

Cars were also set alight and police vehicles were damaged before calm was eventually restored at around 12.30am.

Sir Desmond added: “I have spoken to the Chief Constable this morning and received an initial briefing on what occurred and, in line with the Board’s accountability duties, will be putting a question to the Chief Constable at the next Board meeting.”

While cleaning continued on the estate today, so too did police activity and Sir Desmond said: “I would appeal for calm and level heads, and encourage anyone with information about this attack to contact the police.”

(SB/SP)