AMANDA FERGUSON in Belfast
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Last month I contacted the PSNI and requested a full list of bonfire related incidents officers are investigating. The information is now available. It makes for pretty grim reading.
It should be remembered that more than 250 bonfires took place.
Below is a statement from ACC Bobby Singleton regarding police investigating reports of incidents at bonfires over the 11th and 12th of July period. They are appealing for information.
Assistant Chief Constable Local Policing Bobby Singleton said: “To date we have received a total of 57 separate reports of potential offences at Bonfires over the 11th & 12th of July period. Potential offences include the theft and destruction of political material, flags, hate slogans and effigies.
“We have already gathered and secured evidence of potential offending, appointed investigators, commenced enquiries for each of these incidents and engaged with the Public Prosecution Service who will ultimately have responsibility for decisions in relation to prosecution.
“The vast majority of people celebrate their culture peacefully and lawfully and do not want cultural celebrations to be undermined by anti-social behaviour, criminal activity or hate directed towards others.
“I’m appealing for anyone with any further information but specifically information on those who may have been responsible for the potential offences to provide it to the police to bring those responsible to justice.
“Anyone with any information should contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101 or alternatively, Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
This list is focused on potential hate crimes and damage, so does not include the tragic incident when a man lost his life. More reading here: https://www.amanda.ie/stories/bonfire-tragedy-in-larne
UPDATE:
February 2023. Detail to follow...
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