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Dissident protesters heckle PSNI at Policing Partnership meeting

By Colin O'Carroll

Dissident republicans have tried to disrupt a District Policing Partnership meeting in west Belfast.

The West Belfast District Policing Partnership sub-group held the public meeting in the Whiterock area on Wednesday night.

Dissidents staged protests both inside and outside the meeting.

Councillor Tim Attwood, who is chair of the group, said the protest was noisy but non-violent

He said: “The DPP held one of its regular public meetings in Whiterock last night to listen to a PSNI presentation about child safety and to discuss the report from the PSNI area commander.

“There was a protest from dissidents inside and outside the meeting and attempts to disrupt the meeting.

“After a period of heckling from some of the protesters, directed at the PSNI, I asked the protesters if anybody wanted to make a statement. One of the protesters read a statement of protest and then the majority of protesters left.

“It is important to note that normal business resumed and members of the public questioned the PSNI on important local issues relating to anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults in the area, burglaries and the issue of quad bikes.”

The SDLP representative said he believed in the right of people to object, but the people supporting the meetings also had rights.

“People have the right to protest but do not have the right to disrupt or stop DPP meetings,” he said.

“There is now a positive dialogue and partnership between the PSNI, the DPP and local communities in west Belfast.

“The vast majority of people support the PSNI and want to see proactive policing in the community to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

“I wish to praise the members of the public, the DPP members and staff and the PSNI for their determination to conclude the business of the DPP, despite pro- vocation from some protesters.”

Belfast Telegraph

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