PSNI allowed erection of loyalist flags it said would be breach of the peace

THE PSNI has gone back on its word given last year to residents and elected representatives that it would treat the erection of loyalist flags on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast as a breach of the peace, local Assembly member Máirtín Ó Muilleoir says.

Rather than prevent 20 unionists putting up flags on Monday night, the PSNI actually “facilitated” what it had previously declared would be a breach of the peace, the former Mayor of Belfast said.

“The Ormeau Road is a vibrant, multicultural community which in many ways sets an example for the city. No one has the right to mark out territory in this intimidatory fashion.

“I understand that many of the individuals who erected the flags are not from the Ormeau area. Their actions are not reflective of the Ormeau community, nationalist nor unionist, who reject any effort to harm community relations in the area.”

He encouraged residents to voice their concerns to the PSNI by registering their complaint on 101 or by using the online non-emergency reporting form at https://www.urzone.com/NEIRF/Terms.aspx.

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir added:

“I will be seeking an urgent meeting with senior Belfast PSNI officers to raise my concerns that they have reneged on commitments and have colluded with this clear act of intimidation.”